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4 000 arrested for flouting Covid-19 regulations

27 Nov, 2020 - 00:11 0 Views
4 000 arrested for flouting Covid-19 regulations Three of the marauding illegal gold panners have since been arrested and were arraigned before the courts facing attempted murder charges

The ManicaPost

Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
AS the Government tightens law enforcement to ensure compliance in the face of increasing local Covid-19 infections, more than 4 000 people in Manicaland Province were arrested over the past week for breaching public health regulations.

A total of 2 212 people were nabbed for failing to put on face masks and 138 others for operating bottle stores after the stipulated hours.

An additional 509 people were arrested for operating pirate taxis, while 853 defied curfew timelines by hosting crowded church gatherings and parties as well as operating shebeens.

The offenders paid fines ranging from $200 to $500, racking in about $1,2 million.

Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, said more police officers had been deployed to ensure compliance.

“Covid-19 is wreaking havoc worldwide. We are witnessing a second wave of infections, which is proving to be deadly. We urge people to comply with laid down procedures and protect themselves and others from this virus,” he said.

As of November 25, Zimbabwe had recorded 9 508 confirmed cases, 8 336 recoveries and 274 deaths. Of those, Manicaland had recorded 556 cases, 512 recoveries and 24 deaths.

Government reiterated this week that existing lockdown and public health regulations will be strictly enforced, while emergency funds were being channelled to needy schools to upgrade their sanitation facilities in an effort to control Covid-19 infections.

Speaking after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said Cabinet was concerned over the recent increase in Covid-19 cases.

He called for strict enforcement of regulations to contain the virus. Measures have been put in place to strengthen preventive measures at schools following the resumption of lessons for all classes.

Some police roadblocks that had been lifted are now returning to enforce compliance.

However, a survey conducted by this publication revealed that most people were no longer taking Covid-19 safety regulations seriously.

They have since grown a care-free attitude, hence their complacency.

Most people are no longer wearing face masks when they are in public places, save for those visiting supermarkets and other businesses that are still religiously enforcing Covid-19 prevention protocols.

It seems the opening of schools exerted pressure on public transport, hence the return of pirate taxis.

These illegal operators are overloading their vehicles and basic Covid-19 guidelines are not being followed.

Vegetable and flea market vendors have also mushroomed in most high-density suburbs. The vendors ply their trade at road intersections, on the streets, abandoned bus terminuses and from car boots. Designated council vending areas have since been deserted as the vendors are moving closer to the communities.

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