Armed soldiers and police officers in the early hours of Wednesday placed Kwekwe central business district under virtual lockdown as commuters were not allowed to enter the city centre.

Thousands of residents who work in the CBD and others seeking various services in the city centre were left stranded after being turned away at security checkpoints leading into the central business district.

There were numerous security checkpoints into Kwekwe CBD manned by police and the army with residents in possession of exemption letters, ordered to go back home.

In Harare Monday, thousands of workers were also turned away at police and army checkpoints where they were told to stay home and join Mnangagwa in his National Day of Prayer and Fasting held on that day.

However, senior police and army officials have said they were unaware that people in possession of valid travel papers are being turned away and harassed at security checkpoints.