Police arrested 115 people for not wearing masks while thousands stood for hours in bus queues on a chaotic day Monday, as Zimbabwe began easing lockdown restrictions which had shut down most of the country since March 30.
A 35-day lockdown due to expire on May 3 was extended for a further 14 days by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, but big businesses were allowed to re-open although informal markets – where over 80 percent of Zimbabweans earn their living – remain closed.
Mnangagwa also said only buses would be allowed to transport workers, freezing out taxis which many workers avoiding the congestion in buses prefer.
There was also an outcry from businesses which have been ordered to get their employees tested for coronavirus before they can resume operations. After getting no joy from public health institutions which are supposed to carry out the testing, most businesses turned to private health care facilities which were demanding as much as US$26 for a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) says is unreliable.
Police in Bulawayo said they arrested 115 people for falling foul of new regulations requiring every Zimbabwean to wear a mask outside their home.
A man identifying himself as Ricky on Twitter posted a video of his arrest outside a warehouse where Bulawayo residents pick up groceries and other items sent from neighbouring South Africa.
“I’m locked up at the Bulawayo Central Police Station, for winding down my mask to breathe for 10 minutes to prevent hypoxia,” he wrote.
A police officer who arrested him accused him of “thinking you are cleverer than the president” who issued the new directive, Ricky said.
“We are seeing some people displaying masks but not wearing them. If one is in a public place, the mask must be covering your nose and mouth, it must not be hanging on your chin or just on your forehead, or in your handbag. It must be worn,” said Inspector Abednico Ncube, the spokesman for Bulawayo police.
Buses have been ferrying workers providing “essential services” since March 20, but the increased human traffic on Monday appeared to have caught authorities unawares.
Long queues formed in the morning and evening at bus stations in the major cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Masvingo, Chitungwiza and Gweru, with people waiting for hours to get transport.
MDC vice president Tendai Biti claimed there was paralysis in government planning.
“The decision to force the use of ZUPCO buses as sole public transporter is irrational and monopolistic. ZUPCO lacks capacity to ferry every worker. The regime is out of depth, without a doubt the worst government in the world,” Biti wrote on Twitter. The MDC has also criticised the decision to force companies to shell out on coronavirus test kits, insisting that this must be the responsibility of the government. The party accuses Mnangagwa’s government of making decisions “driven by vested interests or patronage.”
“It’s the obligation of the state and the state alone to conduct and pay for Covid-19 tests. Forcing citizens to pay for own costs is irrational and an attack on the right to life. Equally, provision of masks is an obligation of the state. Compelling citizens to buy unavailable masks is zany,” Biti said.
Surveys carried out in Harare and Bulawayo showed that many people did not wear masks, or some who did just wrapped pieces of cloth around their necks to cover the mouth and nose.
Shops were selling re-usable masks for an average US$1. The government has not issued guidelines on the approves masks, decreeing only that citizens “must wear masks of any type including home-made ones outside their homes.”
Doctors have questioned the use of rapid diagnostic test kits to detect the coronavirus, which causes the respiratory illness, Covid-19.
“You can’t make any meaningful decision based on an antibody based RDT result. Companies are just going to be robbed of their money over a useless test,” said Dr Norman Matara of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights.
An advisory by the World Health Organisation says “at present, based on the current evidence, the WHO recommends the use of these new point-of-care immunodiagnostic tests only in research settings.”
“They should not be used in any other setting, including for clinical decision making, until evidence supporting use for specific indications is available,” the WHO says.
The test kits have been shown to “miss patients with active infection or falsely categorise patients as having the disease when they do not, further hampering disease control efforts,” according to the WHO.
Info News
DUI Lawyer Cost: How Much Defense Can Really Cost
A DUI charge can affect your license, job, insurance, reputation, and freedom. Many people focus only on the court fine, but the real cost of a DUI can be much higher. Hiring a DUI lawyer may feel expensive, but not having the right defense can cost even more.
The cost of a DUI lawyer depends on several factors. These include the seriousness of the charge, whether it is a first offense, whether anyone was injured, the lawyer’s experience, the location of the case, and whether the case goes to trial.
A simple first-time DUI may cost less than a case involving an accident, high blood alcohol level, child passenger, refusal to test, or repeat offense. Some lawyers charge a flat fee, while others charge hourly. Trial representation usually costs more because it requires additional preparation.
A DUI can also create hidden costs. You may have court fines, license reinstatement fees, higher car insurance premiums, ignition interlock costs, alcohol education classes, towing fees, probation fees, and lost income from missing work.
A DUI defense lawyer can review whether the traffic stop was legal, whether the officer followed proper procedures, whether the breath or blood test was accurate, and whether your rights were violated. In some cases, evidence may be challenged or charges may be reduced.
The goal of a DUI lawyer is not always to “beat” the case completely. Sometimes the goal is to reduce penalties, protect your license, avoid jail, or negotiate a better outcome.
Before hiring a DUI attorney, ask what the fee includes. Does it include court appearances? Trial? License hearings? Motions? Payment plans? Clear answers can help you avoid surprises.
A DUI is serious. The right lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and make better decisions during a stressful time.
DUI With CDL: Why Commercial Drivers Need Legal Help Fast
DUI with CDL, CDL DUI lawyer, commercial driver DUI, truck driver DUI attorney, CDL disqualification, DUI commercial license
DUI With CDL: Why Commercial Drivers Need Legal Help Fast
For a commercial driver, a DUI is not just a criminal case. It can threaten your career.
A commercial driver’s license is a livelihood. If you drive a truck, bus, delivery vehicle, or other commercial vehicle, a DUI charge can affect employment, insurance, licensing, and future job opportunities.
That is why commercial drivers should speak with a CDL DUI lawyer quickly after an arrest.
Why CDL DUI Cases Are Different
Commercial drivers are often held to stricter standards than regular drivers.
A DUI can create problems even if:
You were driving your personal vehicle
You were off duty
No accident happened
It was a first offense
Your employer has not been notified yet
The consequences can include CDL disqualification, job loss, and difficulty getting hired later.
Lower Alcohol Limits for Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers operating commercial motor vehicles are generally subject to stricter alcohol rules than regular drivers. Federal safety rules and state laws may impose lower BAC standards for CDL holders while operating commercial vehicles.
Because CDL law is technical, speak with a lawyer familiar with both DUI defense and commercial driving rules.
Possible CDL Consequences
A DUI may lead to:
CDL disqualification
Loss of job
Higher insurance risk
Employer reporting issues
Difficulty finding future driving work
Required alcohol assessment
Criminal penalties
License suspension
Ignition interlock issues
A regular hardship license may not fully protect commercial driving privileges.
What If the DUI Happened in a Personal Vehicle?
This is one of the most important questions CDL holders ask.
In many situations, a DUI in a personal vehicle can still affect CDL privileges.
Do not assume your CDL is safe because you were not driving a commercial vehicle.
What Should a Commercial Driver Do After a DUI Arrest?
Take these steps:
Save all paperwork
Check court date
Check license deadlines
Do not miss hearings
Avoid discussing the case publicly
Do not drive if your license is suspended
Contact a DUI lawyer quickly
Ask about CDL-specific consequences
Review employer reporting rules
Evidence a CDL DUI Lawyer May Review
A lawyer may review:
Reason for the stop
Field sobriety tests
Breath test procedure
Blood test records
Officer report
Body camera video
License paperwork
Refusal allegation
Commercial driving status
Vehicle type
Employer records when relevant
Why Plea Decisions Matter
A plea that seems acceptable for a regular driver may be devastating for a CDL holder.
Before accepting any offer, a commercial driver should understand:
CDL disqualification
Employer consequences
Insurance consequences
Future hiring impact
State motor vehicle agency rules
Federal commercial driving implications
Can a CDL Driver Keep Working After a DUI?
It depends on the facts, license status, employer policy, and applicable law.
Some drivers may be immediately removed from driving duties. Others may continue temporarily while the case is pending, depending on license status and employer rules.
Do not drive commercially unless you are legally allowed to do so.
Final Thoughts
A DUI with a CDL can threaten your career, not just your record.
Commercial drivers should act quickly, protect deadlines, and speak with a lawyer who understands DUI defense and CDL consequences.
One wrong decision can affect years of income.
