ZRP arrests Thousands for not putting on masks

The Zimbabwe Republic Police on Monday arrested more than thousand people for not adhering to lockdown regulations, it has emerged.

The country, currently experiencing indefinite lockdown following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic early this year set up health measures to combat the spread of the virus.

Among other preventative measures include wearing of face masks, frequent sanitization, observing social distancing, temperature checks at public exit and entrance points and mandatory 21 days self quarantine for returnees and those with the virus symptoms.

Apparently, Citizens have of late relaxed. Cases have been on rise, currently standing at more than a thousand including 26 deaths.

Statutory instruments have been enacted to criminalise those found in violation of lockdown regulations.

One of the instruments mandates every citizen to put on face masks always, failure to do so attracts a fine of ZWL$500 or an imprisonment.

In an effort to enforce the law on citizens, the local law enforcement unit, ZRP, on Monday carried out an operation which saw 1 478 arrested.

“Police have been arresting those violating lockdown regulations just yesterday we arrested 1 478 people for violating Covid-19 lockdown regulations and most of these arrests include people who are walking aimlessly, failure to wear a mask in public,” National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyati said.

“We have noted the increasing cases of Covid-19 and fatalities, and the increasing number of people escaping from quarantine centres.”

“We, therefore, shall enforce tightened lockdown measures for the safety of the public.”