50 000 officers to be deployed during elections

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Law enforcement agents will not tolerate violence during and after this year’s harmonised elections, Home Affairs Co-Minister Kembo Mohadi has said. In an interview yesterday, Minister Mohadi said the police had fully deployed manpower on the ground and were ready to deal with any perpetrators of violence.

He said the police would deal with unruly elements irrespective of political affiliation.

“We are fully deployed on the ground in a bid to ensure a peaceful environment during and after the elections.

“Let me warn those who are bent on fuelling political violence that as a Government we have a zero tolerance to such behaviour. The long arm of the law will catch up with such individuals,” he said.

The minister also called on politicians to campaign peacefully and cultivate a culture of tolerance amongst their supporters.

“We need to campaign and vote in a peaceful environment so that we shame our country’s detractors.

“As a Government we are seized with the issue of politically motivated violence and hence we are not going to treat anyone with kid gloves.

“Zimbabweans are a peace loving people which then calls for us to work together ensuring that there is peace during the pre and post elections period,” said Minister Mohadi.

He said the police had adequate manpower to deal with any eventualities on the ground.

It is understood that 50 000 police officers will be deployed across the country during the elections.