Chaos at Masvingo quarantine centre

Disgruntled inmates at Masvingo Polytechnic and Masvingo Teachers Colleges yesterday clashed with members of the security services as they wanted to be availed with their test results and be released from compulsory quarantine.

The commotion was due to increasing numbers of returnees from neighboring countries who are being sheltered at these two centres, without having their tests done.

Those already housed at these facilities are now living in fear as they are now at risk of being exposed to the virus through continued stay at the centres.

The inmates said they have been at the quarantine centres for the past 17 days and were tested for the deadly Covid-19 on Monday.

They were expecting their test results within 72 hours, which authorities were yet to release.

At Masvingo Teachers’ College quarantine centre, anti-riot police had to be called in after a nurse was held hostage by inmates who were demanding their results.

Authorities later released only 33 people at Masvingo Teachers College who had reportedly tested negative for Covid-19.

At Masvingo Polytechnic College, soldiers and anti-riot police besieged the centre after inmates locked the canteen and denied new arrivals access to breakfast.

At least 80 people were later released from Masvingo Polytechnic after the ministry availed test results.

Efforts to get a comment from the Provincial Medical Director, Dr Amadeus Shamhu were fruitless as his mobile phone went unanswered.

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Tatenda Mutumhe

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