Police in Bulawayo say there is improved adherence to the lockdown regulations in the city.
In an interview with CITE, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said most residents are wearing their masks and are observing social distancing.
Zimbabwe is currently under Level 2 of the lockdown which mandates the reopening of industry and commerce and that all people wear masks when outside their homes.
To date, the country has a total of 206 positive COVID-19 cases.
“There is commendable improvement in the residents’ adherence to lockdown. When you get into town, you see people with masks on. Nine out of ten people will be properly wearing their masks. There are a few with breathing problems, while a few others will be having masks on their cheeks or in their pockets,” said Insp Ncube.
“A lot of people are also observing social distancing, although there are some instances where you find them crammed, for example in bus queues or in supermarket queues in most cases, they are cooperating. Even when police officers engage them on social distancing issues, they do not resist. They are making our job quite manageable.”
Insp Ncube noted that since the beginning of the lockdown period, people have been assisting the police by reporting all illegal public gatherings.
He noted that crime rates have also decreased in comparison to the same period last year.
“Of course there have been cases of unlawful entry into premises, robberies and rape but comparing these statistically to last year, we are at a minus. We have realised a healthy decrease in crimes which is a suggestion that people are taking heed of our campaigns,” Insp Ncube said.
“Bulawayo comprises of mature people who work well with the police though there are a few deviances here and there where some members of the public are committing crimes. Members of the public are working hand in glove with the police. We are receiving some helpful tip-offs which are resulting in arrests.”
