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Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter
Motorists and public transport operators who break road traffic rules and regulations will be severely punished, police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has said.
Speaking at a pass out parade for 507 recruits at Morris Depot in Harare yesterday, Comm-Gen Chihuri said it was worrisome that the country continued to lose many lives to road carnage.
Last year, more than 200 people died while close to 1 000 others were injured in road accidents during the festive season, a two-week period that usually witnesses a huge number of traffic fatalities. “Most accidents are mainly as a result of negligence and drunk driving.
In light of this, I would like to urge all motorists and public transport operators to always abide by the rules and regulations that bind their conduct while on our busy roads,” Comm-Gen Chihuri said.
He warned police would not sit back and watch unruly elements turn roads into traffic jungles.
“Indeed we are as determined as ever to ensure that sanity prevails on all roads. I strongly warn those with a penchant for contravening our road rules and regulations that they will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri challenged the police recruits to uphold the ZRP code of conduct and ethics when undertaking their duties.
“It is, thus, paramount to remain mindful of the oath of allegiance you swore to serve and protect the interests of the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The police chief noted that gender-based violence was on the increase, and warned perpetrators that the law would catch up with them.
He called on the nation to embrace the historic National Unity Day, uphold peace and tranquillity and shun all forms of segregation.
Comm-Gen Chihuri also commissioned a 10-roomed house at Morris Depot that was constructed to house police officers’ trainers.
The 507 recruits, who comprised 415 male and 92 female officers, underwent a comprehensive training curriculum, which covered Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, police powers, procedures and the law, human rights, police duties and investigations, public order management and first aid.
Also on the six-month course was a medical doctor.
Online Reporter