Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE authorities in Zimbabwe are poised to launch an intensive, nationwide security and traffic enforcement campaign, deploying one of the most robust operations seen in recent years as the country braces for the inevitable surge in movement and criminal activity during the festive season.
The sweeping, high-visibility blitz is specifically engineered to suppress skyrocketing crime rates, drastically curb catastrophic road carnage, and maintain civil stability over a period traditionally marked by heightened public travel and social disruption. The operation signals a zero-tolerance approach to lawlessness, with thousands of officers set to saturate highways, urban centres, and critical points across the nation.
The multi-pronged initiative will involve specialised units drawn from criminal investigations, traffic policing, canine sections, anti-stock theft teams, and border control and intelligence operatives.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, speaking during a media briefing in Bulawayo on Wednesday, said officers will be deployed to urban centres, highways, rural communities and border areas, with operations set to intensify as December approaches.
Commissioner Nyathi said the police are determined to ensure citizens enjoy a peaceful, orderly and safe Christmas and New Year period.
“We have entered a critical phase of our festive season preparations. Police are fully geared to protect life and property. Our operations target armed robberies, drug trafficking, smuggling, stock theft, gender-based violence and all forms of criminality that tend to spike during this period,” he said.
He added that the operation will also tackle the worrying rise in fatal road traffic accidents, many caused by speeding, drunken driving and poorly maintained vehicles.
“On the roads, we are clamping down on unroadworthy vehicles, pirate taxis, overloaded buses and reckless drivers. We will have sobriety checkpoints, highway patrols and surveillance teams working full-time. The law will be enforced without fear or favour,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
Last year alone, hundreds of road accidents were recorded during the festive period, many resulting in deaths or life-changing injuries.
“We cannot allow vehicles that are mobile death traps to operate. Some of the accidents we record are a direct result of negligence and disregard for basic safety standards,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He noted that police, working with other law enforcement agencies, are also concerned about the surge in drug-related crimes, unlawful entry and theft, smash-and-grabs and robberies targeting individuals withdrawing large sums of money for holiday preparations.
“If this level of visibility is maintained, we can look forward to a safer festive season. Criminals usually take advantage of the crowds and relaxed mood at this time, so the police presence is reassuring,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“To strengthen the operation, police are working closely with neighbourhood watch committees, transport associations, traditional leaders and community policing forums. Communities must actively report suspicious individuals, movements or behaviour.
“This is a shared fight. Communities are our eyes and ears on the ground. We encourage the public not only to report crime but also to avoid risky behaviour, such as moving around with large sums of money or walking alone late at night,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi also appealed to families to prioritise domestic peace, noting that the festive season often records a spike in gender-based violence, fuelled by alcohol abuse, financial disagreements and social tensions.
“As the holiday mood builds, we want this year’s celebrations to be remembered for joy rather than bloodshed. With discipline on the roads and vigilance within communities, we can avoid the tragic headlines that often accompany this period,” he said.
The nationwide blitz will run until early January, with police promising sustained visibility and swift action against lawbreakers. At the same briefing, Commissioner Nyathi issued a stern warning to criminals who violently engage and kill police officers on duty.
“If these criminals think they can get away and kill officers, we will respond appropriately. We will respond in a ruthless manner. We will not tolerate the killing or attacking of police,” Commissioner Nyathi.
