By Vumani Mthiyane
A majority of Gwanda residents have heeded to the 21-day national lockdown order by choosing to stay at home.
A snap survey conducted by CITE revealed that there was high compliance as most people heeded to the call to stay at home.
Zimbabwe began its three-week lockdown on Monday in an effort to stem the increase of Coronavirus cases in the country.
So far the government has confirmed eight cases and one death.
Contacted for a comment, Matabeleland South Police Provincial Spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said there were high levels of compliance in most parts of the town.
“Generally I can say people are in compliance but not fully as we still have people who leave their homes to buy foodstuffs at the shops only to come back minutes later to buy something else instead of purchasing at once then go back to their respective homes,” said Chief Insp. Ndebele.
Asked what happens to those who defy the order, the police spokesperson said, “If people continue to defy, as police we will be left with no option but to apply minimum force.”
Chief Inspector Ndebele said they would also be forced to deploy more officers to enforce the lockdown order.
Ntepe, Fumugwe and Manama business centres were deserted save for a few bottle stores which were a hive of activity.
It was also business as usual for local vegetable vendors who continued to sell their wares.
“I am here to save the nation because it was declared that agriculture is an essential service. How can you eat relish without tomatoes?” asked Arabile Nare, a local vendor.
