Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
POLICE in Manicaland have increased their presence on major highways during the Independence and Easter holidays in a bid to prevent road carnage usually associated with such festivals.
The provincial Independence Day celebrations are being held today (Friday) at Nedziwa Business Centre in Chimanimani, and with increased traffic expected, police presence is expected to help mitigate risks, reduce road accidents and ensure safety of the motoring public.
Drivers are urged to exercise vigilance and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of life, be mindful of road conditions, follow speed limits, and avoid reckless behaviour.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said it is all systems go for the provincial Independence Day celebrations.
Chimanimani District Development Coordinator, Mr Elisha Mushayavanhu said they were ready to deliver a momentous, and unforgettable day for the dignitaries and the general public.
Across the province, there will also be celebrations at district levels as the province joins the nation to pay respects to the brave sons and daughters who scarified their lives for the freedom the country enjoys today.
Police Commissioner-General Shepherd Mutamba said the police will be out in full force providing security for the nation to enjoy the long holiday in a peaceful, tranquil and crime free environment.
He warned errant drivers against breaking road rules and endangering lives of innocent passengers, adding that police will descend hard on unlicensed drivers, drunk drivers, unroadworthy vehicles and pirate taxis.
“As the nation approaches the Easter and Independence holidays, a time of joy, reflection, and family gatherings, I urge everyone to prioritise safety and responsibility. The police remain committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all. To achieve this, I call upon every citizen to play their part in upholding law and order. My office has made adequate arrangements for safety and security of Independence commemorations gatherings at national, provincial and district levels. Our beloved citizens are enjoined to avoid night travelling to curb road traffic accidents and also to utilise vehicles which have been certified fit, insured and registered.
“Police commanders across the country have been instructed to take strong action against unlicensed buses and pirate taxis (mushikashika) that operate without the required licenses or permits to ensure road safety. As a result, no pirate taxis or buses with no permits will be allowed to pass through police check points and roadblocks. Police officers on deployment will impound all unroadworthy and defective vehicles and arrest any driver found to be driving under influence of alcohol.
“Crime and traffic awareness campaigns, patrols, stop and search operations shall be carried out to combat armed robbery, murder, rape, stock theft, drug and substance abuse cases. As school children undertake various social activities during this holiday, parents should guide and properly monitor them to curb cases of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Commissioner General Mutamba warned unlicensed liquor outlets and shebeens to close their illegal businesses or face arrest, while urging businesses against keeping large sums of cash and avoid sharing financial information anyone to avoid chances of being robbed.
“The police’s current blitz on drug and barons, suppliers and users will certainly be maintained. I would like to urge members of the public to give information on drug bases, drug bases and drug lords to the nearest police station.
“ZRP will also ensure that liquor outlets fully comply with the provisions of the Liquor Act (Chapter 14:12). To this end, all unlicensed liquor outlets and shebeens will be closed while the operators will be arrested. Licensed liquor outlets should stick to stipulated operating times.
“In order to minimise chances of robbery cases, the public is again advised not to carry or keep large sums of money at home or business premises. Companies are reminded not to share information on financial transactions or status with each and every employee. This will assist to curtail the leakage of information to criminals,” said Commissioner General Mutamba.
Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe spokesperson, Mrs Lucy Kuwandirwa Mapfumo said they have launched the “Safety Begins With Me” campaign to encourage responsible road use during the long holiday when traffic volume will be high.
“As we approach the Independence and Easter holidays, we strongly advise members of the public to be extra cautious as they use the roads since we anticipate high traffic volumes. To avoid road traffic accidents, the motoring public and drivers should adhere to traffic laws, avoid recklessness such as speeding, overloading, drunk driving and use of cell phones when driving as these are major causes of road collisions.
“For pedestrians it is best to always walk facing oncoming traffic and cross at designated points. We have recently launched the Independence and Easter education and enforcement campaign, under the theme “Safety Begins With Me”. What were are basically alluding to is that every road user should be responsible for their action on the roads, ensuring that we have a road crash-free holiday,” said Mrs Mapfumo.
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