Police install CCTV at ZITF

POLICE in Bulawayo have installed Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on strategic points within the city centre and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) area as part of efforts to curb criminal activities during the weeklong prime showcase.

ZRP also recalled its officers on leave to help beef up security during the ZITF.

The 64th edition of the showcase rolls into life tomorrow and will run until Saturday with Kenyan President Dr William Ruto set to officially open the exhibition, running under the theme; “Innovation: The catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade,” on Friday.

From tomorrow until Thursday, it will be business days.

The trade fair will be open to members of the public on Friday and Saturday.

There is an increase in the number of exhibitors compared to last year, with 624 exhibitors while last year there were 565 with 25 foreign countries compared to 21 last year coming on board. The foreign countries are bringing in 123 exhibitors compared to 70 that participated last year.

In an interview, ZRP Bulawayo spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said in anticipation of a surge in crime during the ZITF, they have beefed up security and installed hidden cameras in strategic areas around the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, the venue of the trade expo.

He said over 2 000 police officers have been deployed while all stations will also be on high alert across the city.

“As ZRP Bulawayo, we are more than prepared to deal with criminals who normally capitalise on such events to rob people. We have deployed both uniformed and non-uniformed police officers in all crime hot spots,” said Insp Ncube.

“In addition to that, we have put CCTV cameras in strategic areas around the city centre, which I can not mention. Those cameras are beaming to the ZITF police stand, we are doing all this as part of our zero tolerance to crime and those with such criminal minds are here and now warned.”

Inspector Ncube urged motorists not to secure their vehicles and desist from leaving their valuables in cars.

He also said residents to secure their homes.

“We are glad because we have a community that fully understands the work of the police and fully participates in the fight against crime. We have a very effective business against crime forum, crime, liaison committees, neighbourhood watch committees as well as our junior call clubs who are all aware of this event,” said Insp Ncube.

He assured both local and international visitors that safety was guaranteed during the ZITF.

“We also advised parents and guardians to put name tags with numbers in the pockets of their children to make it easier for security personnel to identify the minor if they get lost during the ZITF,” said the police spokesperson.