Health

15 Illegal Ethiopians caught hiding in Gwanda village, Arrested, tested for coronavirus, quarantined

Some ill looking Ethopians discovered hiding at a homestead in Mawane, Gwanda will be placed under quarantine after one was found in a critical condition.

Fifteen Ethiopian nationals were Tuesday arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at a rural homestead at Switsha village under Chief Nhlamba in Gwanda district on allegations of illegally entering the country.

Working on a tip-off from concerned villagers who have been taking care of the Ethiopians since Wednesday last week, police officers launched a midmorning raid and found 15 Ethiopian nationals at the said homestead.

Upon arrival, the police officers discovered that one of the Ethiopians was in a poor state of health and quickly rushed him to Gwanda Hospital for treatment.

Following the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, villagers were fearing for their lives as they suspected that the foreigners might have evaded screening for Coronavirus.

Matabeleland South Provincial Medical Director, Dr Rudo Chikodzere confirmed that the Ethiopian national is currently receiving treatment.

“Among the 15 foreigners from Ethiopia there was one who was very ill and we have made an assessment and the patient does not have any symptoms of Coronavirus but is dehydrated and weak.

“According to the case definition, he did not fit the coronavirus definition. We will continue to take precautionary measures and manage him as a suspected case.

So we are going to quarantine all of them for the next 21 days to ensure that everyone is safe,” Dr Chikodzore.

Asked about the isolation centre where they will be kept, the PMD said they are still doing logistical issues on where to house them in the event they turn out to be infected since their travel history is unknown.

Sources who spoke to CITE said the foreigners came with a cross-border transporter who wanted to facilitate their entry into South African through the Mlambapeli border post.

However, when the deal went sour the transporter then took them to his rural home at Sukwi and left them in the custody of his family to take care of them.

Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philasani Ndebele confirmed having received the report but referred all questions National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.

“Yes, I can confirm having received a case of Ethiopians foreigners who were arrested at Gwanda area. 15 of them will be charged under the Immigration Act and we are currently working with other stakeholders.

“Remember the country is under lockdown and these people will be in our custody where health and security issues will be considered,” said Ass Comm Nyathi.

cite

Share

Recent Posts

Zimbabwean Driver Locked Up in DRC After His Truck Kills 18 People in Deadly Accident

Reports from concerned drivers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indicate that Jeremiah Kamuterera,… Read More

29th March 2024

Police Investigate Discovery of 20 Young Women Linked to Madzibaba Ishmael Cult in Harare Hideout

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation after discovering 20 young women who… Read More

29th March 2024

CAPS United Humiliated as New Boys Bikita Minerals Secure First Premiership Victory…ZPSL Results

 In an electrifying showdown at Rufaro Stadium, newly promoted side Bikita Minerals clinched their maiden… Read More

29th March 2024

No loss of value through introduction of currency stabilization measures- David Mnangagwa

The Deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion David Mnangagwa has attributed the current surge… Read More

29th March 2024

Mnangagwa prematurely ends Mangudya’s tenure as RBZ governor

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday brought forward by a month the appointment of… Read More

29th March 2024

Tragedy Strikes as Bus Plunges Off Bridge in Limpopo, Killing 45 ZCC Church Mmembers

SOUTH AFRICA: A devastating bus accident on the R518 in Limpopo's Waterberg district has led… Read More

29th March 2024