Farai Dziva|Residents of the ancient city of Masvingo are finding it difficult to purchase prescribed medicine because police are forcing pharmacies to close at 1 pm.

Police officers in Masvingo say they are following orders from their superiors.

“We are simply following instructions from our bosses,” said one police officer.

Zimbabwe is currently under a 21- day lockdown meant to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus.

“Masvingo residents are finding it difficult to buy medicine after 1 pm because police have instructed pharmacies in the city to operate for only four hours; from 9am to 1pm every day,” a COTRAD official said on Sunday.

On Friday, overzealous cops attacked residents in Rujeko Suburb, accusing them of breaching lockdown restrictions.