A total of 341 251 people have been arrested throughout the Country for contravening the national lockdown since its introduction in March 2020, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has revealed.
The government introduced the national lockdown in March 2020 as part measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, which was spreading and ravaging the world, with origins in Wuhan, China.
Recently, the government introduced a 30-day national lockdown with dusk to dawn curfew in place, to curb the spread of Covid-19 infections which were spiralling out of control, following the festive season activities.
In a statement, Nyathi said as of Monday 18 January 2021, 2 336 people were arrested throughout the country for various offences related to contravening the national lockdown regulations.
“Meanwhile, on Monday 18 January, a total of 2 336 people were arrested throughout the country for various offences related to contravention of the national lockdown regulations. Of these 890 were contravening section 4(1) (a) of Statutory Instrument 83/20 ‘unnecessary movement during national lockdown except those exempted’ and 920 for failure to wear face masks. This brings the total cumulative arrests to 341 251 since 30th March 2020,” said Nyathi.
He said that the law enforcement agents would be out in full force to ensure compliance with the curfew order put in place by the government on the 2nd January 2021.
Nyathi urged members of the public travelling between cities to plan their journeys within the allowed travelling times to avoid having their vehicles impounded.
“The curfew order runs from 1800 hours to 0600 hours the next day. Therefore, movements, whether on foot or motorized are not allowed during this period and anyone found walking or driving will be arrested, with the vehicle being impounded,” he said.
“Those travelling between cities should plan their journeys so that they do not breach the curfew order”.
He added that the police had noted with concern the traffic jam along the Harare-Bulawayo highway over the past few days.
“On Sunday 17 January 2021 and Monday 18 January 2021, there was chaos along Harare-Bulawayo road, as long queues stretching from the Norton tollgate up to Whitehouse area, Harare were seen. Some motorists were even confrontational to the police despite the fact that most of them were noncompliant with the curfew,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He urged members of the public to take heed of the safety, health and security measures meant to promote lives during the Covid-19 period.
