Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
POLICE have appealed to the country’s citizens to be responsible and prioritise the safety and security of everyone as the country approaches the Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays which precede the SADC Summit.
They have also warned licensed liquor operators to operate within the parameters of their respective licences during and after the Heroes and Defence Forces holidays saying they have recently increased deployments as part of their constitutional mandate to ensure law and order is maintained in the country.
In a statement released on Friday, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga urged the public to play a part in fighting all illegal activities urging the motoring public to safeguard lives on the roads saying all unroadworthy vehicles will be impounded.
The police further called on citizens to help curb drug and substance abuse by providing police with information on drug barons.
“As the nation steps up the fight against drug and substance abuse in the country, I urge the public to continue giving my office information on drug barons and suppliers for the law to take its course without fear or favour.
“The police will also take decisive action against anyone operating unlicensed liquor outlets or shebeens during this period. Owners of licensed liquor outlets are urged to conduct their business within the parameters of their respective licences and ensure that they observe the stipulated opening and closing times of their outlets,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.
He said as the Government of Zimbabwe hosts the forthcoming 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit from 17 to 18 August 2024, the police assure all the foreign dignitaries, visitors and Zimbabweans that they have deployed adequate police officers and resources to ensure that peace prevails not only in Harare but in all parts of the country.
“It is also a fact that the SADC Summit is going to be preceded by the 2024 commemoration of the nation’s Heroes and Defence Forces holidays. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployments will cover all these high-profile events.
“May I therefore urge Zimbabweans to exhibit the law-abiding citizen philosophy through which our country is known in the world. Let us welcome all the SADC dignitaries and tourists as we reiterate the police’s guarantee of their safety and security,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.
He implored on motorists to be exemplary in their driving conduct after the recent rehabilitation and construction of major roads in Harare and other parts of the country by the Government of Zimbabwe.
“Police officers deployed on roadblocks and other traffic enforcement duties will impound all unroadworthy vehicles and take stern action on any motorist who will be found driving through red traffic lights, going against the flow of traffic or creating third or fourth lanes on the roads.
“This includes those who will be found driving under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should cooperate with police officers controlling or directing traffic at road junctions, traffic lights and other points. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also deployed police officers at all the facilities where SADC guests will reside and visit resort centres or leisure spots throughout the country,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.
He said the police will also maintain its usual visibility in residential, industrial areas and Central Business Districts through patrols, stop and search blitz and monitoring suspects who might want to take advantage of the pending holidays and the SADC Summit to commit criminal acts.
He implored on the public to feel free to report any criminal acts to the police at various stations or contact the National Complaints Desk for swift action to be taken.
Responding to social media concerns following increased police visibility during the week, police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said there was nothing alarming and sinister about the deployments.
Speaking on Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN)’s programme, The Chase, Commissioner Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police has a constitutional mandate in terms of the country’s constitution Section 219 to ensure that law and order is maintained, not only in Harare but throughout the country.
“We have a constitutional mandate to ensure people’s lives are secured or protected. We also protect property, be it state property or private property. Above all we have to make sure that we remain visible.
“When we have visibility, we are also taking away the fear from people that they are not safe and secure. People are talking about the recent increase in visibility and we want to say there is nothing alarming about that visibility, there is nothing sinister about that visibility. It is part of the ZRP’s mandate as enshrined in the country’s constitution,” said Comm Nyathi. — @nyeve14
Online Reporter