Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have said they will descend heavily on those who defy lockdown measures and warned bars, restaurants and individuals hosting parties that they risk being arrested if they violate curfew hours during the festive season.
It has become tradition for people to host parties during Unity Day, Christmas or New Year holidays hence the warning by the police.
A number of shows have been lined up in and around the city and police have said they will strictly enforce lockdown regulations which require people to observe curfew hours among other lockdown regulations.
The curfew runs from 9pm to 6am which means people have to be confined to their homes by 9pm.
In a statement, Police Commissioner General Tandabantu Godwin Matanga said as police they implore the public to celebrate the holidays taking into consideration the Covid-19 health and safety measures put in place by Government to curb the spread of the pandemic.
“I have directed Officers Commanding Provinces to ensure that those found violating Covid-19 safety measures which include the curfew order which is valid from 2100 hours to 0600 hours the following day are dealt with by the police without fear or favour.
Therefore, no gatherings in the form of parties, beer drinking sprees or unnecessary movements will be allowed by the police during the curfew period,” said Comm General Matanga.
He said all liquor outlets, restaurants, hotels and transporters should religiously adhere to the Covid-19 measures announced by His Excellency, President Mnangagwa on 30 November 2021.
“Police will arrest all shebeen operators and drug dealers to ensure that the law takes its course,” said Comm General Matanga.
He said there will be roadblocks and checkpoints around the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will therefore, deploy police officers to conduct patrols, stop and search, roadblocks and checkpoints in residential, industrial and places frequented by the public,” said Commissioner General Matanga.
In terms of Covid-19 isolation and quarantine protocols at the country’s ports of entry, Commissioner General Matanga said police will strictly enforce them.
“Police will monitor all the country’s points of entry and exit. People trying to illegally enter borders without following laid down custom and excise formalities will be arrested.
Above all, I reiterate that the public should continue to wear face masks, practice social distancing and sanitisation in public places,” said Commissioner General Matanga.
To ensure safe road usage, Commissioner General Matanga said police will impound all unroadworthy and defective motor vehicles during the holidays.
“Drivers should be safety conscious and should safeguard lives on the roads. Those who drive under the influence of alcohol will be arrested and the vehicles impounded.
The public is advised to limit travelling in view of Covid -19 safety measures annnounced by Government,” said Comm General Matanga.
He assured the public that police crack teams will be on full alert to deal with any form of crime, especially armed robbery, murder, rape, domestic violence, drug abuse, unlawful entry and stock theft.
Commissioner General Matanga urged individuals and business entities not to keep large sums of money at home or business premises in order to curb robbery cases.
He said they will not tolerate corrupt police details and will arrest anyone found on the wrong side of the law.
“My office will take action against any member of the Police Service who engages in any form of corruption. This also applies to members of the public who offer bribes to police details so that they can be allowed to go scot-free after committing crime,” said Commissioner General Matanga.
He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Press, Public and International Relations department will be conducting crime and traffic awareness campaigns to conscientise the public on the need to take preventative measures during the holidays.
Commissioner Matanga implored Zimbabweans to exercise collective responsibility and good conduct to curb crime and road accidents during the Christmas and New year festivities.
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