Remain alert, top cop warns

Tanaka Mahanya

POLICE Commissioner General, Godwin Matanga, has implored the public to remain alert and ensure security of their families, and property, during the festive season.

In a statement, he said holidays were characterised by an increase in human and vehicle traffic movement as the public undertakes various social and economic activities in a festive mood.

“May I implore the public not to keep large sums of money at home or business premises as this attracts criminals.

“The public should not relax during the festive period, but remain alert in terms of family security and their property.

“Suspicious criminal movements should be quickly reported to the police for swift action to be taken.

“Companies must ensure that their security is beefed up with those entities conducting cash-in-transit activities urged to work closely with the ZRP to curb armed robbery cases,” he said.

He said his office has observed that this period attracts a lot of attention as fatal and serious traffic accidents are recorded on the country’s roads.

“Criminal acts are likely to increase as evidenced by recorded cases of armed robbery, murder, rape, drug abuse, stocktheft and unlawful entry and theft.”

He said the police will deploy adequately to ensure cops are visible so that peace prevails in communities, on the roads, public gatherings and any other place where the public has access.

“Stern action will be taken against pirate taxis (mushikashika operators) and motorists who drive recklessly with no regard for the rights of other road users.

“I have directed officers commanding police provinces to ensure that sufficient visibility is maintained in communities and on the country’s major roads.

“Police officers will also account for criminal elements who commit armed robberies, murder, rape, stock-theft and those who engage in illicit drug activities which are affecting the youths and elderly.”

He urged the public to shun and report corrupt activities to any nearest police station.

“Above all, they should cooperate with police officers deployed on patrols, roadblocks and other duties to ensure that law and order is maintained during the holidays.”

The police will be conducting an operation dubbed “Let’s Join Hands in Preventing Crime and Road Carnage,” which runs from December 15 to January 15 next year.

This is to ensure that all criminal activities in communities, and reckless driving conduct on the roads, are decisively dealt with.