3,200 arrested in Zimbabwe for violating lockdown regulations

More than 3,200 people have been arrested in Zimbabwe for violating lockdown measures, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on Thursday.

Zimbabwe began a 21-day national lockdown on March 30 to curb the spread of corona virus, with people in essential services only allowed to operate while the rest of the citizens are to stay at home and only leaving their homes to buy food and medicine, among other essentials.

However, Mutsvangwa said some Zimbabweans were disregarding the rules. "It is disheartening to note that some citizens are willing to put themselves and those around them at risk by flouting the lockdown regulations."

"To date, 3,251 people have been arrested across the country for violating lockdown measures," she said in a statement.

Mutsvangwa urged Zimbabweans to be responsible and adhere to lockdown regulations.

Zimbabwe has so far recorded 11 cases of COVID-19 and three deaths.