Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
POLICE in Matabeleland South have launched a crime and traffic awareness campaign to reduce crime and road traffic accidents during the festive season.
The provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, said the involvement of members of the public is crucial in ensuring a crime-free festive holiday.
The festive season is usually characterised by an increase in criminal activities such as theft.
Robbers take advantage of the absence of people who travel over the festive season to break into homes and steal property. The period is also characterised by an increase in road accidents.
“During the festive season, we see an increase in movement for people both locally and internationally. Of great importance is to note that some of the people who will be moving around will be doing so to find opportunities to commit offences while others would have fled from neighbouring countries after committing offences. We have since started crime and traffic awareness campaigns to ensure that people remain on high alert,” said Insp Mangena.
She urged motorists to check the condition of their vehicles before departure. Motorists have also been urged to put on safety belts, desist from overloading vehicles, and observe road regulations.
“Passengers should not board private vehicles to avoid being robbed. Motorists when tired and in need of rest are urged to stop in built-up areas like shops not to stop on laybyes as they may become victims of robberies. Business owners must put in place security measures such as security guards, alarm systems, and CCTV cameras among others to secure their properties,” she said.
Insp Mangena said business owners must open and close their premises on time and desist from keeping large amounts of money in their homes.
“Community members must jealously safeguard their properties by securing their homes properly. Members of the public must not move at night or move through secluded areas to avoid robberies and rape cases. We urge members of the public to report any suspicious activities and to report incidents early. We also need the input of community members to combat crime,” she said.
Insp Mangena said they will increase all forms of patrols which include foot, cycle, canine, mounted units and motorised patrols. She said they will mainly target crime hotspots such as nightclubs and cocktail bars.
She also urged members of the public to act responsibly.
“In the rural areas, we usually record an increase in assault cases during the festive season as a result of social gatherings. Some people attend these gatherings at night but in the process forget that there is life after a party and overstay at these events. Let’s enjoy but in a responsible manner which won’t result in conflicts or a person getting harmed,” she said.
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