Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Gweru District has heightened security measures ahead of the festive season, recalling officers from leave and increasing patrol shifts.
Businesses have been warned to operate strictly within the conditions of their licences, while members of the public have been urged to comply with the prohibition order issued by the District Police Officer’s office.
District Police Officer, Chief Superintendent Dr Leonard Marondedze, said the heightened measures are aimed at maintaining law and order while minimising road accidents and criminal activity during one of the busiest periods of the year.
“We are getting into one of the most active seasons. We have since increased our patrols to ensure that there is order in the Community. We understand there are troublesome points, but ours is to keep those in check. We want people to enjoy their Christmas and New Year without any form of hindrance.
“We have made a call to our officers to cut short their vacation so that we have enough manpower to deal with would-be offenders. We know there are mushikashikas trying to earn a living. These might not have the necessary certification to be on the road. We encourage the public to use a certified mode of transportation.
“Accidents do happen, but if they happen we might need to get some form of insurance, and this can only happen in a certified mode of transportation. People also get robbed in some of these unregistered vehicles, and we need to minimise such cases by using a proper mode of transportation this festive season,” Chief Superintendent Marondedze said.
The ZRP’s proactive approach seeks to strike a balance between festive cheer and public safety, particularly in preventing incidents that have historically increased during the holiday season.
