Lack of breathalysers not an excuse: Chihuri

His remarks follow media reports that no arrests were made for drunken driving during the festive season because all ZRP breathalysers were not working.
According to police some of their breathalysers needed calibration.
Speaking during a tour of the force’s projects at Harare Central Police Station on Friday, Comm-Gen Chihuri said the law provided that either blood samples could be taken or observations made by officers would lead to a suspect being prosecuted.
“The law provides for that, blood (samples) can be taken, observations can be made by our officers and can all be proved in court. It doesn’t mean that without breathalysers there is nothing we can do,” said Comm-Gen Chihuri.
Although the force faced several challenges owing to inadequate fiscal support, he said, they managed to combat crime and maintain law and order countrywide.
Comm-Gen Chihuri took a swipe at some individuals, organisations and media that continue to criticise ZRP operations.
He applauded the force for ensuring sanity on the roads this festive season.
There were no national disasters recorded.
“I am happy that during the festive season you did well particularly that no national disasters occurred,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri also said he had called for an increase in salaries for the force but nothing has been done.
“Equipment and gadgets which are technical and the technological improvements which are there, are nothing without human beings. Human beings are more important than anything else,” Comm-Gen Chihuri said.
He said in 2010 there were allocated inadequate fiscal support and it was difficult to operate with ‘little money’.
“Some in the Government have also been denying the ZRP to have meaningful income generating projects like mining. I have also been on record asking for more salaries for our members,” he said.
He said the illegal Western sanctions on Zimbabwe worsened the financial situation and urged everyone to stand up against the embargo. ZRP has been embarking on income generating projects countrywide to supplement its revenue.
Comm-Gen Chihuri toured various projects at the police station including a flea market, barbershop and salon, among others.