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Andile Tshuma, Chronicle reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have appealed to the public to conduct themselves in a manner that ensures a safe and crime-free festive season.
In a statement yesterday, Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the force had deployed more officers especially targeting crime prone areas.
“We seek to advise members of the public that in an endeavour to create a conducive and crime free environment and as a measure of ensuring that all our valued clients are safe and their properties are secure during the festive season, we have enhanced deployments of more police officers in the CBD as well as in all suburbs around Bulawayo Province,” she said.
Chief Insp Simango said anti-corruption teams will also be checking on illicit activities by both members of the public and members of the force.
“As police we are urging both the public and officers to therefore desist from engaging in corrupt activities,” she said.
Chef Insp Simango said the police will not be lenient on errant motorists.
“We are also encouraging motorists to exercise extra care on the roads since there will be a high influx of people who are coming into and out of Bulawayo. We therefore urge motorists to always observe all traffic laws, road rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of life through accidents as they travel to different destinations. Motorists are therefore advised to plan their journeys and avoid travelling during the night,” she said.
“We also entreat public service operators to avoid overburdening drivers by carrying out extra trips as fatigue will catch up with them, leading to accidents. Many precious lives have been lost due to overloading, speeding and use of unroadworthy vehicles.
“We implore drivers and operators to be exemplary by being responsible on the roads. As the police, we will not hesitate to impound all defective and unroadworthy vehicles besides arresting all those who flout the rules of the road. We also urge drivers to avoid driving while drunk or driving under the influence of alcohol as this often leads to accidents.”
Police advised parents and guardians to monitor children particularly teenagers.
“We are also advising parents to monitor their children since some of them may end up engaging in risky sexual behaviours due to influence from friends, wrong associations and peer pressure which will ultimately destroy their futures prematurely. Activities such as wild parties and vuzu parties are common during holidays.
“We as police are urging all youths to observe and uphold ubuntu and desist from engaging in errant and wayward behaviours that expose them to serious diseases like STIs and HIV.”
Chief Insp Simango called on businesses to strictly adhere to their operating licences requirements.
She warned against the selling of liquor to under-aged persons.
Chief Insp Simango called on members of the public to secure their homes while those travelling were advised to leave trusted persons manning their premises.
She said the neighbourhood watch committees and the police will also be on high alert conducting night patrols.
“Keeping of large sums of cash and other attractive items at home is discouraged as robbers may pounce on unsuspecting individuals. However, in the event of an attack by criminals we urge members of the public not to fight back or resist as this may lead to serious injuries being inflicted on their bodies, in some instances leading to death. We therefore advise the public to inform the police promptly after the robbers have left,” she said.
“Reports of any suspicious activities are welcome at any time of the day on the following numbers: Bulawayo — 0292-885479, 112 for those using Netone Lines. We also take this opportunity to wish everyone a crime-free festive season, to have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2020.” — @andile_tshuma
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