By A Correspondent- First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has urged traditional leaders to severely punish returnees and deportees who evade testing for COVID-19 or escape from quarantine centres.

Over 190 people are reported to have escaped from quarantine centres housing returnees and deportees from South Africa, Mozambique and Botswana.

The First Lady was addressing community members at Makhulela village in Bulilima district yesterday where she had gone to monitor projects she initiated for the San community and enlighten them about the dangers of COVID-19. She also donated foodstuffs and blankets to the elderly.

“Chiefs, we ask you to exercise your powers and see how you can punish those who sneak into the community without being tested or escape quarantines centres. These people have become a danger to our communities. You should also have a book to record those who are returning home from neighbouring countries,” she said.

“You shouldn’t keep these people because you risk contracting the disease. All returnees should produce a certificate of clearance. Those without should be reported to the police,” the First lady said.

-Newsday