Police deploy manpower to ensure safety during holidays

Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers WriterThe Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has deployed sufficient manpower across the country’s roads and urban centres to ensure peace, law, and order as the nation commemorates the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays and decisive action will be taken against motorists who breach road rules and regulations.Officers have been stationed on highways, residential areas, industrial zones, and Central Business Districts (CBDs) to deter criminals and uphold public safety throughout the long holiday.In a statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the deployments were meant to secure both road safety and public security.“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has deployed adequate manpower on the roads to ensure the public travels safely as the country commemorates the 45th anniversary of Heroes and Defence Forces holidays,” said Comm Nyathi.“Decisive action will be taken against motorists who flout road rules and regulations In this regard, unroadworthy vehicles, pirate taxis or mushika shika vehicles, buses without permits, unregistered and plateless vehicles will be impounded Drivers found to be driving under the influence of alcohol will be arrested for the law to take its course.”He warned public service vehicle operators against endangering lives by overloading and employing touts who often harass and intimidate passengers.“Above all, the Zimbabwe Republic Police warns public service vehicle transport operators against overloading vehicles and engaging touts who harass and intimidate potential passengers Some of the touts are engaging in various criminal acts to the detriment of public safety

Drivers are encouraged to cooperate with police officers on checkpoints and patrols to collectively promote road safety,” he said.Comm Nyathi said Police Commanders had been instructed by the Commissioner-General of Police to intensify patrols in key areas to target known hotspots for criminal activity.“The Commissioner-General of Police has directed Police Commanders to deploy police officers to patrol in residential, industrial and Central Business Districts and effect arrests on criminal elements including those peddling drug and illicit substances.”He added that the specialised anti-robbery units will remain on high alert during the holidays.“The crack teams set up by the Commissioner-General of Police to tackle robbery cases will be on high alert and will respond appropriately to reports of armed robbery in the country,” he added.As part of wider security awareness, the police have also urged members of the public and business community to exercise caution when handling cash and sensitive information.“The public is urged not to carry or keep large sums of money at home or business premises Companies and individuals are reminded not to share information on financial transactions or status with each and every employee or colleagues This will assist to curtail the leakage of information to criminals.”In addition, ZRP will clamp down on illegal liquor outlets operating outside designated hours.“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will take stern action on all unlicensed liquor outlets and appeals to the public to report licensed operators who are not observing stipulated operational times for their outlets.”As schools have closed for the holidays, parents and guardians have been urged to play an active role in monitoring the behaviour and movement of children to guard against rising cases of drug abuse and sexual violence.“As schools close for the holiday, parents are advised to guide and properly monitor their children to curb cases of rape, drug and substance abuse School authorities and parents should avoid night travelling for the safety of pupils,” said Comm Nyathi.ZRP reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and crime-free holiday and urged the public to report any suspicious activities through established police hotlines or at the nearest station.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald