The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Correspondent
FOLLOWING Government’s ban on gatherings, including church services, some Mutare residents are holding church services in their homes in defiance of the lockdown regulations.
The services are being held during the day in Chikanga, Dangamvura, Hobhouse and Sakubva.
Concerned residents fear that this may result in increased cases of Covid-19 cases and deaths.
“We are worried that some people are conducting services in their homes. These are the same people who will die at home out of fear of seeking medical services. They fear that the moment they test positive, contact tracing will be done, thereby exposing their illegal activities,” said Mrs Chido Mushati, a Chikanga resident.
“These services are being done in congregants’ houses, especially on Saturdays, to try and outsmart the police.
“More than 20 people will be squeezed in one room, singing, shouting and praying without any face masks on. The chances of spreading Covid-19 in such circumstances are very high,” said Mrs Mushati.
Another resident, Mr Gerald Chibaya, said neighbours are afraid to tip off the police when such services are being conducted due to fear of victimisation.
“Everyone is worried about these services. If not attended to, a lot of people will contract Covid-19. The problem is that people are afraid to alert the police of these services,” said Mr Chibaya.
A Dangamvura resident, Ms Molline Ndudzo, said while some people are conducting church services in their homes, some are flocking to the city’s mountains for the services.
“They go there in their numbers and conduct all-night prayers. They do not care about the curfew hours. It is sad because those are the same people who come back to our communities and spread Covid-19,” she said.
Mr Luxon Chikati, a local community health worker, said people need to stay in their homes and practise good hygiene.
“Wearing face masks and practising good hygiene is vital for the benefit of everyone.
“As a community health worker, I have been discouraging congregating at crowded places, including conducting church services and attending funerals in numbers exceeding 30,” said Mr Chikati.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luxson Chananda said those gathering in their houses to conduct church services risk being arrested and fined $500 as any form of gathering is currently barred.
He said the police are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone observes the Covid-19 regulations.
“We have been discouraging all gatherings apart from funerals which are being held under the supervision of health workers. To date, we have not made any arrests of people conducting church services at home or in churches, most probably because no one has been tipping us off.
“We encourage the public to report to their nearest police stations if such things are happening in their areas because the moment you turn a blind eye on that offence, you are putting your own life at risk. Covid-19 is real and it kills,” said Inspector Chananda.
He said the public can tip-off the police on 0771 411 441 or call 020-206813 to ask for their nearest police station’s contact numbers.
