Police in full force at ZITF

Police will be fully deployed during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in the City Of Kings, and members of the public have been advised to assist law enforcement agents by tipping them if they see any crime being committed.

The officer commanding Bulawayo province Senior Assistant Commissioner Steven Mutamba said there will be visible foot and vehicular patrols to ensure safety of exhibitors and visitors to Zimbabwe's premier annual business showcase.

"We will have a full deployment; we will be everywhere but police work with the public and we are asking them to help us police them," he said in an interview.

Mutamba urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest available policeman and get details of the officer for follow-ups. He further advised people to keep their valuables safe.

"We are advising those with motor vehicles not to leave things that may attract thieves in the open but lock them away to safety," he said.

This year's Zimbabwe Trade Fair, running under the theme "New ideas to new heights" has, unlike in the past, attracted more than 20 countries and 396 local exhibitors.

The trade fair has struggled to attract foreign exhibitors over the last decade, but this year's exhibition could be testimony of the steadfast investor confidence in Zimbabwe.

Foreign exhibitors include Brazil, Botswana, China, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Ethiopia, Poland, South Africa and the United States.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest City, enjoys brisk business during the Trade Fair, a platform where buyers meet with traders and manufacturers, while ordinary people take opportunity to have family fun days when the Fair opens to the public.

Mutamba said traffic police will be out in full force during the event which opens Tuesday and ends Saturday.