Harare residents say they are being restricted from enjoying themselves at night by an unofficial curfew that has seen people claiming to be security officers around the city forcing entertainment places to close shop before 7 PM.
The capital city has been under an ‘unofficial’ lockdown since the August 23 to 24 harmonised election where residents are being attacked and ordered to go home by police.
The development has left imbibers in anguish as they have to go home early.
Most bars in town are closing around 7pm in the capital and in satellite towns such as Chitungwiza, Ruwa and Norton.
A few days ago police spokesperson assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi dismissed reports that a curfew was in place.
“Business is currently low. There is a curfew though police are denying it,” a bar manager who wanted to remain anonymous said.
“As bar owners, our business thrives at night.
“People coming from work and looking to relieve stress come to us for help.
“We hope the government does something to get this curfew removed because as of now we are struggling.”
A sex worker identified as Sasha who operates from Harare’s central business district castigated the ‘curfew.’
“This curfew started during elections,” she said. “Since then l have not made any money yet I’m supposed to pay rent and look after my kids,” she decried.
Nyathi yesterday said there was no curfew in place.
“The Liquor Licensing Board has informed us of numerous bars operating over their stipulated time as well as those operating with no licenses,” Nyathi said.
“As police, we are simply regularising the law.
“Some are supposed to close at 8 pm. but remain operating.
“I reiterate that there is no curfew. Whoever is saying this is spreading fake news.”
The situation in Harare and other urban areas across Zimbabwe remains tense after the country held disputed elections that were won by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling Zanu PF party.