More roadblocks, stop and searches during holiday in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has rolled out extensive security measures across the country to maintain peace and order during the 2024-2025 festive season. Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga announced the deployment of officers in major roads, residential areas, central business districts, and recreational sites to curb crime and road traffic accidents.

With increased traffic expected during the holiday period, the ZRP has introduced heightened roadblocks, traffic blitzes, stop-and-search operations, as well as motorized and cycle patrols. Comm-Gen Matanga emphasized the need for all stakeholders, particularly transport operators, to prioritize public safety.

"The volume of traffic on the roads will certainly increase, and road traffic accidents and violations of road rules and regulations will obviously take centre stage," said Comm-Gen Matanga. "The ZRP has made adequate deployments to ensure peace prevails throughout the period."

Road safety campaigns are being conducted to educate drivers and promote adherence to traffic regulations. Police will impound defective and unroadworthy vehicles, while pirate taxis and mushika-shika vehicles will be barred from checkpoints. Passengers have been urged to avoid using non-public service vehicles for their safety.

Despite these measures, some commuter omnibuses (kombis) were seen operating on highways, defying regulations prohibiting them from traveling more than 60km outside city limits.

The past week has already seen several fatal road accidents, with over 10 lives lost and many injured in three separate incidents.

In one tragic incident on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway near Bubi, two people died and two others were injured in a pile-up involving three buses—Rimbi, Blue Circle, and Tombs. The chain reaction reportedly began when a Tombs bus, which had developed a mechanical fault after hitting a donkey, was struck by a Rimbi bus, leading to a series of collisions.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that the deceased were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary while the injured received treatment at the same hospital.

Comm-Gen Matanga urged caution during the rainy season, warning motorists of slippery roads and advising against crossing flooded rivers and bridges. Public service vehicle operators were also encouraged to minimize night travel, as most fatal accidents occur after dark.

Additionally, the police chief warned against smuggling and reminded transporters and businesses to officially declare goods at ports of entry and exit. He also called on liquor outlets to adhere to operating hours stipulated under the Liquor Act, emphasizing that selling alcohol to minors would result in arrests.

The ZRP will also clamp down on drug and substance abuse, robbery, and other violent crimes during the festive period. Comm-Gen Matanga advised families and businesses to avoid keeping large sums of money at home or offices to reduce the risk of robberies.

Regarding New Year celebrations, individuals and institutions planning to use fireworks were reminded to notify local authorities and the police in advance.

"As the public celebrates the cross-over into the New Year, let us all adhere to the law to ensure safety and security for everyone," said Comm-Gen Matanga.

The ZRP's comprehensive measures aim to provide a secure environment for the public to enjoy the festive season responsibly.