By A correspondent- Health experts in Hwange have attributed the sprouting of shebeens as the major cause of increasing cases of Covid-19 cases.

According to the state media, there are several shebeens that have sprouted in Hwange, especially in Empumalanga suburb.

Sources said most of them are operated by high profile people in the coal mining town which explains why they are not being closed.

People reportedly drink all night at the various shebeens despite the existence of a 6.30pm to 6am curfew.

Greater Hwange Residents Association Trust co-ordinator Mr Fidelis Chima said shebeens are all over Hwange.

“Shebeens are all over Hwange and we have approached authorities about the issue. Our wish is for the Covid-19 task force to work closely with residents’ association’s structures so as to come up with a lasting solution to this. We can work together to conscientise residents of the risks of running shebeens and also disseminating information on Covid-19,” he said.

Hwange District medical officer Dr Fungai Musinami-Mvura said shebeens, just like funeral wakes that residents continue to attend while not following laid down protocol, are high-risk gatherings.

“The problem with shebeens is that once people get drunk, they become a high risk gathering because no one will be following regulations.
We plead with people to follow regulations and if they want to drink alcohol, they should rather buy and drink from home. We once visited Hwange and we were told about the shebeens. These shebeens could be one of the contributors of the high rates of Covid we are having in the district particularly in Hwange town,” said Dr Musinami-Mvura.