The Zimbabwe Republic Police has so far arrested 9 889 people for various offences since the commencement of the national lockdown on 30 March.

Bulawayo province has the highest number of offenders with 2 214, followed by Manicaland, with 1 975, then Midlands (1 289), Harare (1 229), Mashonaland West (909), Matabeleland South (820), Matabeleland North (469), Mashonaland Central (338), Mashonaland East (330) and Masvingo (252).

In a statement, police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi implored members of the public to stay at home, saying only those with exemptions and on the essential service list would be allowed to pass through security checkpoints. Said Nyathi:

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday announced that the 21-day national lockdown had been extended by a further 14 days, to May 3.

President Mnangagwa said the country has not yet met the requirements established by WHO to lift the restrictions, with other regional economic powers, South Africa and Botswana, particularly, also under lockdown.

NewsDay