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Mthabisi Tshuma, Gwanda Reporter
NIGHTCLUBS in Gwanda town, Matabeleland South province, have re-opened in violation of lockdown regulations.
Illegal taxi operators who commonly use Honda Fit and Fun cargo vehicles are also back on the streets taking advantage of reduced police roadblocks.
The Government last year restructured the country’s urban transport sector and directed that all public transporters should fall under the ambit of Zupco.
Osphatheleni as money changers are popularly known have also resurfaced.
Most nightclubs in the mining town have taken advantage of Cabinet’s relaxation of Covid-19 lockdown regulations allowing restaurants sit-in customers to re-open.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa at a post Cabinet media briefing recently said operators found breaking the restrictions will be closed immediately.
Nightclubs and bars at Matabeleland South Agricultural Showgrounds, those on the outskirts of Gwanda town have re-opened in violation of Covid-19 regulations.
Some of the nighclubs are open until the wee hours of the morning.
It is the same case with pirate taxis that ferry nightclubs patrons throughout the night yet there is curfew from 10pm.
Police could not readily comment as Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Loveness Mangena was not reachable.
However, this news crew observed on Saturday night shortly before 9pm police officers raiding Phoenix Pub and Grill where the general manager identified as Farai was arrested.
A nightclub owner who spoke on condition of anonymity said the economic situation was pushing him to operate.
“I am a family man and I have workers who rely on us for salaries. I’m fully aware of the dangers posed by Covid-19 but I have a responsibility to fend for my family and make sure my workers feed their families as well,” he said.
A taxi operator identified as Mr Dube said most commuters preferred to board small cars to town because of the short distances involved.
“Gwanda town and its suburbs are nearby to an extent that some people walk to and from work on a daily basis. Those that use transport do not want to board buses or kombis but prefer small cars,” said Mr Dube.
A money changer identified as MaNdlovu said: “We are looking for money because we need to survive like anyone else.”
In a telephone interview, Matabeleland South Provincial Epidemiology and Disease Control Officer Dr Andrew Felix Muza warned against complacency.
“The defiance of such regulations in general may lead to an increase in Covid-19 cases,” said Dr Muza.
He said it was important for residents to adhere to lockdown regulations to reduce the spread of the pandemic.
“I would like to encourage members of the public to strictly adhere to the measures that have been announced by the Government as part of efforts to fight this pandemic. We should continue to sanitise our hands, maintain social distancing, wear face masks and observe cough etiquette,” said Dr Muza.-@mthabisi_mthire
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