THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have announced more stricter lockdown measures following reports that certain individuals and businesses were now operating in violation of Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 which barred all non essential service providers to operate during the current Level (IV) of National Lockdown.
HealthTimes
According to a Memorundum under the subject Tightening Of Enforcements And Issuance Of Business Confirmation And Exemption Letters addressed to addressed to all Officers Commanding Police Districts, Harare, there has been increasing cases of lockdown rules violations by companies and individuals.
“Some companies which are not in the category of essential service such as Bata Shoe Company, Bhola Hardware, Furniture and Clothing shops, are conducting business on the strength of letters issued by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and International Trade. Commanders should take note of the following:- Companies and businesses not in the category of essential service but operating should close.
“This is regardless of being in possession of exemption letters. The guiding principle is the Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 which is very clear on which industry or service provider is exempted from National lockdown. No vehicles should be allowed to pass a checkpoint if they are not in the category of essential services. Such vehicles should be arrested or made to go back where they will be coming from.❖Funeral gatherings have become one of the super spreaders of the Corona virus, and as such, the stipulated maximum number of thirty (30) mourners be strictly adhered to,” said the Memorundum.
The ZRP added that screening of deserving travellers during curfew times should be intensified, allowing passage only to those providing essential services such as those in the sectors of health including pharmacies, security services, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy [ZESA], fuel industry and other related entities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, outlined below are some of the essential services exempted from National Lockdown and should be allowed to operate:- any health care service; any service relating to the generation, supply and distribution of electricity, water, sewerage, sanitary; fire brigade or ambulance services; any service relating to the production, supply, delivery or distribution of food (in particular Supermarkets and food retail stores), fuel or coal (note that fuel includes gas); banking Institutions, Bureaux de changes, money transfer services; any mining services;➢Any service relating to manufacturing;
“Communications and Telecommunication services, including the internet;➢All Arms and Organs of the State engaged in providing security services and licenced Private Security services;➢Government Printer (Printflow Private Limited);➢The conduct of Agricultural activities on farms;➢The supply of Agricultural inputs and stock feeds; and➢The supply and distribution of veterinary requirements for domesticated farm and non-farm animals and the dipping of cattle.”
Meanwhile, Public transport services shall be restricted to those provided by ZUPCO, Public Service Association and omnibuses or other passenger service vehicles operated or chartered for carriage of essential services staff.
“Employees of manufacturers and persons employed in mining operations. The conducting of public examinations at Schools, Colleges, Universities or other Tertiary Education institutions in accordance with circulars issued by the ministries responsible for primary, secondary, tertiary or technical education.”
The police also infomred members of the public that Cycling, walking or jogging as individuals was permitted but citizens must wear masks as they do so. Issuance of Exemption lettersAddresses are also advised that the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and International Trade has allowed respective Line Ministries to issue movementexemption letter to businesses. This has been necessitated by the need to quicken the process for the conveniences of companies.
Law enforcement officers manning roadblocks and checkpoints should thus recognise letters issued by the respective Line Ministries provided the entities they work for are exempted by law from lockdown.NB, If a company or service for which an exemption letter has been issued is NOT EXEMPTED by law, the bearer should not be allowed to pass or operated, irrespective of who has issued that letter.CurfewIt should also be noted that those providing critical services like health, ZESA, telecommunications (Telone), security, carrying cargo, delivery vehicles for food, energy [service stations], workers doing shifts for companies exempted from lockdown [with letters showing time of reporting on and off duty], are exempted from the curfew.
The point to consider is whether at that particular time of the night, is the person supposed to be going or coming from work.Commanders should ensure that operatives are thoroughly briefed on the contents of this memorandum.An Inspector should be deployed at busy roadblocks in big cities so that correct decisions are made. At other checkpoints, a Sergeant or Assistant Inspector should be in charge depending on the level of activities at that particular point.Addresses are to acknowledge receipt by 1400hours on Tuesday26January 2021
