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Crime Reporter
POLICE have said they will be out in full force to ensure that there will be an accident and crime free environment during the festive season.Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba urged the public, in a statement, to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station.
“The festive season is now upon us and the Zimbabwe Republic Police is making a passionate appeal to the generality of Zimbabweans and visitors to observe the country’s laws as they celebrate during this period,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged motorists to observe all traffic laws as they travel to different destinations and that they plan their journeys and avoid travelling at night.
“We also entreat public service operators to desist from over-burdening drivers by carrying out incentivised extra trips as fatigue will catch up with them leading to accidents,” she said.
“Overloading and speeding is not allowed. Drivers should not also attempt to cross flooded rivers. They should avoid driving whilst drunk or under the influence of alcohol.”
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said motorists should check if their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on journeys. She said police would not hesitate to impound defective vehicles and to arrest those who flout the rules of the road.
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said cases of housebreaking and theft were likely to increase during the festive period.
“The public is urged to secure their homes and property,” she said. “If people are to travel, at least a trusted relative should be left at home and or the police can be advised to put the house under supervision.
“Hoarding of large sums of cash and other attractive items such as jewellery at home is discouraged as robbers may pounce on unsuspecting individuals. The use of banking facilities is encouraged.”
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said cases of drowning normally characterised this period and great care should be given to children who may attempt to swim in water bodies.
She said the police’s anti-corruption teams would also be checking on illicit activities and warned the public and officers to desist from unbecoming behaviour.
“We encourage the public to make use of their nearest police station fully for the nation to enjoy a crime free environment,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba. “We also take this opportunity to wish everyone a crime free festive period and beyond.”
Last year, road accidents claimed 180 lives during the festive season, while another 901 were injured in 1 128 road accidents recorded during the same period.
Police impounded 1 392 unroadworthy vehicles and issued 13 278 tickets to motorists for violating various traffic offenses.
Online Reporter