Suburban Bars, Businesses Ignore Lockdown Rules
Some business operators in Harare’s high-density suburbs continue to defy the measures put in place by the government to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Under current level 4 lockdown measures, businesses are allowed to operate between 8 AM and 3.30 PM while a curfew is in place between 6.30 PM and 6 AM.
However, a snap survey conducted by ZBC News established that in areas such as Warren Park, Westlea, Kuwadzana, Dzivaresekwa, and Kambuzuma, businesses were open well after the existing curfew times stipulated under the level 4 lockdown.
It was also observed that operators were failing to provide buckets for hand washing and did not check the temperature or sanitise their customers before entering their business premises.
Further, despite bars being ordered to shut, they were among the arguably most super-spreaders as they were operating even up to midnight.
Illegal backyard food outlets, especially those selling sadza, also allowed sit-in customers and there was no sanitization of hands taking place, especially at Mereki in Warren Park and Zindoga shopping centre in Waterfalls.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Thursday said they will not hesitate to arrest those caught on the wrong side of the law. He said:
We are arresting all offenders and following the curfew order. We are surprised by the high number of people complaining of being arrested over curfew, that order still stands and should be obeyed.
We impounded nine buses in Harare that have been operating without a ZUPCO arrangement. On Monday alone we made 3 821 arrests related to COVID-19 contraventions.
