By Jane Mlambo| Police have announced that they arrested 19 people on day one of the 21-day lockdown including a Chitungwiza resident who stoned a police vehicle.

The police said about 200 people in Highfields tried to force their way onto a market, pelting the police with stones before they were dispersed.

Below is the full police statement signed by Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police applauds Zimbabweans who took heed of the Government’s call for a 21 day lockdown in an effort to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Generally, people have complied with the call to stay home, only those offering essential services and those with exemptions are allowed to move from one point to the other.

Of concern are some acts which been handled by the police resulting in the arrest of 19 people for operating shebeens, a bar, public drinking and various traffic offences.

In Highfields, at Lusaka Produce market, 200 vendors tried to force their wat into the market pelting police officers with stones but were later dispersed. In Chitungwiza, police dispersed 70 people who had gathered at Unit H Shopping Centre. In the process Luckson Rukainga (28) was arrested for stoning a police vehicle.

We urge members of the public to continue complying with lockdown measures and to cooperate with police officers as the country strives to curb the spread of this deadly COVID-19 pandemic.