Suburban
Peter Tanyanyiwa, Suburban Reporter
Ward 41 Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe rushed to stop a church service that was being conducted by an Apostolic sect at an open space in Bluff Hill during the Easter weekend.
Members of the church were attending the service in defiance of the Government directive for people not to gather in big numbers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The church service was being conducted at an open space close to the corner of Adylinn and Flame Lily Road in Marlborough.
Councillor Kadzombe got a tip from residents of the area who alerted her that some churches were flouting the regulations of the 21-day national lockdown.
She went to the place and engaged the worshippers informing them about the danger posed by their gathering and the fact that they were actually working against efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
After her explanation, the worshippers dispersed to their homes.
“On Sunday I received calls from residents in Area D complaining about open air worshippers who were congregating clearly disregarding the lockdown regulations.
“I went there and had an opportunity to meet with them and explain the importance of staying indoors and social distancing. They all seemed aware of the virus threat and the lockdown, but spoke about how members come through because of numerous personal problems that will be affecting them and the need to have their prayers renewed at the shrine,” she said.
“They confirmed that some members were actually not residents of our ward which puts residents at a higher risk. At the end, the Madzibabas promised that they would stop coming through and also then dispersed immediately after we spoke,” said Cllr Kadzombe.
She thanked the residents who took it upon themselves to contact her as an elected community leader and encouraged residents to keep an eye on happenings around them to protect their community.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the residents who were vigilant about happenings in their area and guarded their safety and health jealously by reaching out to me to take action. This is our home and we have to help those that might not understand what is best for Ward 41 as a whole,” said Councillor Kadzombe.
