HARARE – Police and soldiers turned away thousands of people at checkpoints in urban centres on Tuesday, the first day of a 30-day hard lockdown imposed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.
Long queues formed on roads leading into the capital Harare and Bulawayo as security forces demanded to see exemption letters allowing travellers access to the city centre.
The delays at the checkpoints saw many workers arrive late for work, if they made it. A teachers’ union said many pupils missed their examinations, and teachers who were on invigilating duties were blocked or delayed.
The government says only providers of essential services can move around during the 30 days, including health workers, security forces, supermarket worker, infrastructure maintenance teams and journalists.
The latest measures came as Zimbabwe recorded its highest daily infections since the respiratory illness was first detected in March. The ministry of health said 774 new coronavirus infections were recorded on Sunday, which dropped to 564 on Monday.
As of Monday, the virus had killed 384 people from 15,829 infections.
ZimLive correspondents witnessed vehicles being turned away at Mabvuku turn off along Mutare highway with an approximately five-kilometre stretch of stationary vehicles backing up all the way to the neighbouring Sunway City suburb.
Police details at the checkpoint were taking no prisoners and only a few cars which transported civil servants and other essential workers made into the CBD.
“I’ve been told to go back home. They said I’m not an essential worker. There was confusion about this lockdown because we hardly know what the regulations are,” said Chipo Chizhaka from Mabvuku, who sells vegetables at a market.
Ernest Mutongwizo, a manager for a pharmacy, was driving his company-branded vehicle but was turned away.
“They insisted on a letter from the employer, as well as one from the ministry of industry confirming that we are allowed to operate. They have told me to go back home,” he said.
Government spokesman Ndavaningi Mangwana said too many shops were open in violation of regulations.
“There was a compliance problem with Level 4 lockdown today,” he tweeted. “Too many shops were open. For clarity purposes, outlets allowed to trade and, that’s from 8AM to 3PM are supermarkets, food outlets (no sitting in), hotel bars and restaurants to serve in-staying guests only.”
Zimbabweans have also been ordered to observe a 6PM to 6AM curfew. Land borders will also be closed for general travellers, and open only for work permit holders, foreigners and large cargo transporters.
Inter-city travel is banned, except for essential workers. Residents will only be allowed to venture out to buy food within a 5km radius.
Masvingo, Mutare and Gweru were largely deserted, with many shops closed while in Bulawayo, traffic was reduced to a trickle.
The Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union said many pupils and teachers on invigilating duties failed to get to their schools after failing to get past the many checkpoints.
The government has ordered schools indefinitely closed, but Grade 7, Form 4 and Upper Sixth learners are continuing to sit their exams which spilled over from last year.
The union said in a statement: “Thousands of learners either missed or were late for exams because of transport challenges and delays at roadblocks. Teachers also failed to travel to invigilate. These sham examinations should simply be called off.”
