ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE’S EASTER HOLIDAY STATEMENT

PRESS STATEMENT                                                               05^TH APRIL 2023

As the nation commemorates the Easter Holiday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified its operations against all forms of road traffic breaches and criminal activities, especially those that affect the economic and social well-being of the country, such as drug and substance abuse, murder, robbery and rape.

Records have shown that speeding, human error, misjudgement, overloading and defective motor vehicles contribute to accidents. The Zimbabwe Republic Police therefore urges drivers to be considerate on the roads and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Reckless driving conduct especially overtaking in situations which are not safe should be avoided.

Motorists are implored not to exceed the loading capacity of vehicles when carrying goods and passengers. Above all, operators of passenger public service vehicles are advised to adhere to the dictates of their route permits and time tables and avoid being dragged into dangerous and reckless road races for passengers.

We urge motorists to co-operate with police officers when stopped at road blocks and check points in order to avoid inconveniences. Police would be checking for various traffic violations, stolen motor vehicles, smuggling of minerals, criminal movements, cattle rustlers and drug traffickers on all major highways and roads in the country.

Police will impound all defective or un-roadworthy vehicles in order to safeguard lives. Members of the public are urged to avoid boarding Mshikashika or unregistered vehicles as they risk being mugged.

Stakeholders such as the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Vehicle Examination Department will be working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to ensure that the holidays are accident-free through awareness campaigns and blitz on errant motorists.

Let us all remember that road safety is a collective responsibility.

Criminal elements often take advantage of holidays to intensify their criminal enterprises such as committing unlawful entry and theft and robbery.

The public is therefore advised to be alert, security conscious, and avoid keeping large sums of money at home or when travelling. The travelling public must always ensure that properties are secure and should not leave keys under door-mats, flower pots or any obvious place. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will deploy officers to curtail criminal activities throughout the country through patrols, stop and search and crime awareness campaigns.

Parents and guardians are being advised to monitor the movement of their children and ensure that the children, especially the girl child, are left in the custody of mature and responsible people, if they are not travelling with them.

The Police will ensure that drug peddlers are arrested and taken to court for justice to prevail. Criminals involved in drug trafficking and peddling in communities will certainly be arrested without fear or favour.

Let us strive to prevent crime during the holidays and also drive to arrive alive on the road. Police will ensure that criminals are accounted for whilst at the same time there is order and sanity on the roads.

We are appealing to the public to report all illicit activities on National Complaints number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or at their nearest police station.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes all a happy and accident free Easter Holiday.

(NYATHI. P) Assistant Commissioner

Senior Staff Officer (Press and Public Relations)

to the Commissioner General of Police

POLICE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS