The Zimbabwe Republic Police has announced that churches and other religious organisations’ traditional night vigils and crossover services have been banned.
Zimbabwe is smattering under Level Two lockdown and the government has revised curfew hours, which are now between 9pm and 6am.
This is coming after several churches advertised all-night prayer meetings, cross-over sermons and other activities to usher in 2022. The police said such gatherings will be a violation of the curfew hours.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police will arrest those congregating at night for meetings or those found in violation of the law.
Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said “People know that we have a curfew running from 9pm to 6am which means no gathering is allowed after 9pm. Police will therefore enforce the curfew order and anyone who violates it risks being arrested. There are no all-night prayers, all-night gatherings, crossover sermons that will be allowed this year.”
He said churches are expected to lead by example and as such are not expected to violate curfew hours.
“Churches should also take Covid-19 preventive measures such as sanitisation when people enter the church, wearing of face masks and social distancing. Churches mustn’t disregard these safety regulations, ” Nyathi added.
He urged citizens to not throw caution to the wind during the festive season.
“People mustn’t get over-excited and the WHO has made it clear that they should not engage in activities that are super-spreaders of the pandemic. They must limit their travels and stay at home,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
Over 100 people were arrested last week for violating Covid-19 protocols while drinking at bars and shebeens in violation of the curfew hours.