Police Urge Churches To Comply With Vaccination Directive
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged churches not to let unvaccinated worshippers attend in-person services and said they will be out in full force to monitor and arrest violators of the new regulation.
This comes after the government gave churches the green light to resume physical services with only congregants fully vaccinated against COVID-19 allowed to attend under strict adherence to WHO prescribed coronavirus containment measures.
In a statement this Thursday, ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said they will continue to enforce the level 4 COVID-19 lockdown which President Mnangagwa extended on Monday and cabinet reiterated on Wednesday. Said Nyathi:
Churches are implored to strictly comply with the vaccination directive for congregants as stipulated by Cabinet on 11 August 2021.
The police will assist health officials to ensure compliance and arrest anyone defying the safety protocols.
Police will also take action against those who might try to take advantage of the directive and produce fake vaccination certificates.
Asst Comm Nyathi also warned alcohol peddlers against violating lockdown regulations, saying the police will clamp down on the illegal sale of alcohol. He said:
Bar, beer hall and nightclub operators are once again reminded and implored to strictly comply with COVID-19 regulations particularly the ban on operations.
Police will ensure no bar, beer hall, night club and shebeen operators disregard the Government’s safety measures.
Raids will continue being conducted on those drinking beer while parked at bars, nightclubs and beerhalls in the country.
Asst Comm Nyathi also revealed that 24 027 people have been arrested for not wearing face masks since 1 August.
He urged members of the public to report anyone contravening COVID-19 regulations on  Harare Operations number 0242 748836, Bulawayo Operations 0292 885479, National Complaints Desk 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712800197.
