The ManicaPost
Ray Bande, Senior Reporter
People in Mutare continue defying Covid-19 social distancing regulations as they gather for basics at different outlets across the city.
Residents in the city’s main high density suburbs of Chikanga, Dangamvura and Sakubva are being seen crowded at different outlets where basic commodities such as mealie-meal and bread are being sold.
When contacted for comment, Minister of State for Manicaland Affairs and Devolution Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba said: “The District Task Force, in consultation with stakeholders decides whats best for their communities.I want the local leadership to think of ideas that are feasible. There is no one size fit all solution for all setups. What is required is to contain the spread of Corona Virus.”
In a separate interview, Mutare District Development Coordinator Mr Wilson Bore acknowledged the discord in national lockdown policy and situation obtaining on the ground but referred all questions to Minister Gwaradzimba.
“Yes, it is a bit trick because if you look at the vegetables that were seized at Sakubva Msika, national policy says they should be allowed to sell but when you look at the gathering and how they were operating law enforcers have a duty to act in the interest of public health. The same with makeshift tuckshops in high density suburbs, national policy says they should operate because they basically sell essentials but somehow law enforcers might see otherwise given their situation on the ground. I think you can talk to Minister Gwaradzimba on the issue, she will be able to give a comprehensive comment,” he said.
The continued defiance of Covid-19 lockdown regulation being witnessed across the city recently came to global attention when police seized vegetables that were being sold at Sakubva Msika where a gathering of more than 300 people were going about their transactions as if all is normal.
Discord in Covid-19 lockdown regulations has also seen some akeshift tuckshop owners in high density suburbs playing hide and seek with law enforcers as they are not aware of whether they really have to operate or not.
