Cops nab 38 people for not masking up

THREE civil servants and a civic leader have been arrested, Chinsalidistrict, Muchinga Province, for not wearing face masks while in public. The officers include a Zambia Police Officer, Zambia National Service (ZNS) officer, primary school teacher,and ward councilor,  Wearing of face masks in public is now mandatory in Zambia following a directive by President Edgar Lungu as one of the measures to stop the further spread of Coronavirus.  Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Joel Njase says the officers are among the 38 people apprehended yesterday by the Zambia Police in Chinsali for failing to follow guidelines aimed at stopping further spread of COVID-19.  Mr Njase said he is disappointed with the low compliance levels in Chinsali district with regards to Statutory Instrument (SI) number 21 and 22 towards the COVID-19 prevention.    He said it is unfortunate that most culprits that are defying the law are senior leaders in the community and civil servants who are supposed to lead by a good example.  “Those who were apprehended include a ward councilor, a police officer, a Zambia National Service (ZNS) officer and a teacher who were deliberately moving in public without face masks. The Police Chief stated that some of the officers were part of those entertaining restaurant owners selling beer and allowing people to eat food inside the restaurants. “It is an offence for restaurant owners to allow customers to eat from the restaurant when they buy food, worse still selling and entertaining customers to drink from restaurants,” he stated.  Mr Njase has warned that law enforcers will deal firmly with business houses to ensure compliance of the Presidential directives. “We have confirmed reports that some bar owners are allegedly locking themselves with customers in bars, illicit beer is being brewed and sold publicly attracting drunkards to meet, without maintaining social distancing and without face masks,” he said.  Meanwhile, Police in Chinsali District have continued patrolling shops, restaurants to check on the compliance levels with regards to S1 number 21 and 22 as well as ensuring that the mandatory wearing of face in public is adhered to. Among the preventive measures being undertaken in the country include closing of bars, night clubs, gymnasiums and public gatherings to be limited to not more than 50 people. – ZANIS The Sun