Journalist
Police Chief Godwin Matanga declared his forces were on high alert to deal with hooligans and maintain security during the holiday, which is usually marked by high crime rates and traffic accidents.
The police chief said so in his 2022 festival statement.
His statement comes as the country has begun to experience high rates of fatal traffic accidents and crime.
Matanga said it was everyone’s responsibility to make this festival memorable in a good way.
“My Office notes that this period has attracted a lot of attention as fatal and serious road accidents have been recorded on the country’s roads.
“Recorded cases of armed robbery, murder, rape, drug use, burglary and illegal entry and theft prove that crime is likely to increase.
“As such, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will be fully deployed to ensure officers are visible in order to maintain peace in neighbourhoods, roads, public gatherings and anywhere else the public has access.
He added: “Strict action will be taken against pirate taxis (mushikashika operators) and drivers who drive recklessly in disregard of the rights of other road users.
“I have directed officers in command of the various police provinces to ensure adequate visibility in communities and on major roads in the country.”
Matanga said the police will also identify criminals involved in armed robbery, murder, rape, stock theft and engaging in illegal drug activities affecting youth and the elderly.
“I implore the public not to store large amounts of cash in their homes or businesses as this will attract criminals.”
“Above all, the public should not relax during the festive season but remain vigilant in terms of home safety and property. Suspicious criminal activities should be promptly reported to the police so that swift action can be taken.
“Parents and guardians should monitor children’s activities during this holiday to curb child sexual abuse, drowning and drug abuse cases,” he said.
Matanga also urged companies to ensure their security was heightened, and those carrying out cash transports were urged to work closely with police.
The country has begun to record a surge in the number of fatal road accidents.
In a statement on Sunday, police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to obey the rules of the road to save lives.
“The ZRP reiterates that drivers should exercise caution when driving on the road,” he said.
ZRP Gwanda recorded a fatal road accident on the 92km stretch of Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road on Saturday in which four people died.
A motorist driving a Toyota Quest carrying six passengers into Bulawayo trespassed into the oncoming lane, causing collisions with a Scania Irza bus heading to Beitbridge and a Mazda Sedan carrying five passengers The cars collided, heading towards Bulawayo.
Four occupants of the Toyota Quest died at the scene and five others were injured.
In another case where two people were killed in a road accident, a driver of a Renault Chendero was involved in a collision with a car after an oncoming vehicle attempted to overtake him at km 60 along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road on 17/12. Bus collided with /22 at 0700 hours.
Likewise, two people were killed Friday when a driver of a Freightliner truck lost control of the vehicle and trespassed into the oncoming lane, crashing four vehicles; Toyota Raum, Toyota Vitz, Nissan Caravan and Toyota Landcruiser Prado.
The accident happened on Harare-Mutare Road, near NOIC Mabvuku.
