ZRP issues another warning as complacency persists

by | Apr 28, 2021 | COVID 19, Crime & Courts, Local News | 0 comments

By Pretty Manyewe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued another warning to citizens reminding them the holding of braai parties and beer drinking sprees at bars, beer-halls and restaurants is banned under Government’s Covid-19 regulations.

Barely a week after a similar advisory, ZRP National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has released another press statement warning those in defiance of what awaits them ahead.

“In this regard all operators who continue to defy Covid-19 health and regulations will face penalties outlined by the Government and should not cry foul on arrest by the police. Members of the public found drinking beer at bars, beer-halls and restaurants will be arrested,” Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

“In the same vein the police warns members of public who include college and university students who are holding parties at homes in open contravention of Covid-19 curfew order that the law will take its course. Some of the parties are turning violent with revellers attacking innocent members of the public,” the statement read.

Some citizens have been actively playing their civic duty, alerting authorities of illegal acts.

“The Police applaud citizens who are raising concerns with regards to the alleged activities by some community members and in the process posing Covid-19 super spreaders,” Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said.

The second ZRP warning, comes as Government is raising concern over the lack of adherence to guidelines.

Writing on his Twitter, Government spokesperson Mr Nick Mangwana called on Zimbabweans not to let their guard down.

“Five more deaths in 24 hours. The hard cold winter is fast approaching. Revellers are partying hard. Complacency is definitely creeping in. Some are yet to decide on the vaccine but time is not on their side. Let’s all do the right thing because; “None is Safe until All are Safe”,” Mr Mangwana said.

Night clubs have been closed since March 2020 when the President initiated the first lockdown as they are considered fertile grounds for infections.
However, some unscrupulous owners have been opening nicodemously putting lives at risk in the process.

To date, 17727 arrests have been made countrywide during the week for flouting the various lockdown regulations, bringing the total arrested so far to 607386.