Harare, (New Ziana) – Police said on Wednesday 182 people had so far been arrested for flouting the Covid-19 lockdown in various ways.

The government ordered the lockdown for 21 days to limit the spread of the pandemic which has killed tens of thousands around the world.

The lockdown started on Monday, and confines people to their homes,
except for those working in critical sectors such as health who have
been exempted.

People are only allowed to move around in special circumstances such as going to buy basic commodities at shops or seeking health services.

The lockdown ends on April 19.

In a statement, police said while the majority of the people have taken
heed of the lockdown, some had chosen to disobey and had been arrested.

“The police has so far arrested 182 people for operating shebeens, public drinking, disorderly conduct, and committing various traffic offences,” police spokesman, assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi said.

With private transport operations shut down for the duration of the lockdown, Nyathi said the police had observed “aimless movements” by
motorists who claimed to be looking for basic commodities and fuel.

While people are allowed to look for basic commodities and fuel, this
was restricted by government to a radius of five kilometres from one’s
place of residence.

“Those found without justification of being outside the five kilometre
radius will be arrested and prosecuted in terms of Section 4 of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020,” Nyathi said.

Police will in the meantime continue with its public awareness programme on the lockdown and its implications for citizens, he said.

“We also urge the public to continue complying with the lockdown measures and to cooperate with police officers as the country strives to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic,” Nyathi said.
New Ziana