Esigodini residents bear the brunt of lockdown

By Thandeka Matebesi

Residents in Habane Township in Esigodini have decried the effects of the covid-19 inspired lockdown curfew.

Owing to the covid-19 menace, government has come up with a raft of measures that includes imposing a curfew that comes into effect at 8pm. However the curfew has put a strain on social and economic activities in Habane.

Speaking to Community Podium Ward 16 Councillor Partson Sibanda shop break-ins have been recorded lately in the area because most people knock off early and they cannot go back to check on their shops as a result of the curfew.

“Another challenge is the sprouting of Shebeens that are illegally selling alcohol and disregarding social distancing. These places are problematic and they contribute in part to gender based violence,” said Sibanda.

A resident who identified herself as NaWizi said thieves were wrecking havock in Habane and residents were failing to trace them.

“Thieves are giving us a difficult time in our shops, they break in at night despite our efforts to increase security. Whenever we make a police report the police always take our statements but we have never been able to trace the trail of the thieves. We always wonder how these criminals are able to move around and break into our shops when there is a curfew. We also don’t know how they manage to break into shops with big iron bars without being heard. About three weeks ago thieves stole property worth US$600 from shops in Habane,” she said.

However, it has not been all gloom and doom in the area with regards the imposed lockdown. The restricted movement has meant that public violence is reduced in the area.

” There has been a significant decrease in cases of public violence which was mostly caused by illegal gold panning. Most of the people who were causing violence in Habane were not locals but people who had come from other areas to look for gold. Esigodini has always been a peaceful place, but the influx of gold planners triggered turf wars which in turn affected locals”

Law enforcement agents have been playing their part in keeping the artisanal miners in check during the lockdown,” said Sibanda

He added that residents were constantly reminded to adhere to COVID19 rules and regulations.

“We are surviving by God’s grace and we are also following COVID19 lockdown rules and safety precautions from the government. We also continuously encourage the community to adhere to the rules so as to save lives,” said Sibanda.