Police ready to deal with rogues

Police have assured the nation that they have deployed adequate manpower to deal with rogue elements that might want to disturb peace and incite lawlessness through illegal protests.

The police also dismissed as false, reports that there was a curfew imposed from 7pm, saying today is just a normal day and people should be free to go about their normal business.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said anyone who is intimidated should report to any nearest police station or contact Harare Operations on (04) 748836 or the National Complaints Desk on (04) 703631.

She also urged people to disregard teachers and headmasters who were urging people not to go to work.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police will remain alert, resolute and ensure that members of the public undertake their social and economic activities in a peaceful environment. We are aware that criminal elements are instigating and inciting members of the public to engage in lawlessness such as burning of shops, tyres and any other forms of mischief.

"Unruly elements are warned that the police have the capacity and capability to ensure that the law takes its course on any criminal conduct. Police will be deployed to ensure the safe passage to work," she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said anyone found with offensive materials such as catapults or stones in their vehicles will be arrested and the vehicles impounded.

"Anyone found engaging in any form of violence and blocking of roads will face the full wrath of the law," she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba applauded law abiding citizens for remaining peaceful yesterday especially in Harare and Beitbridge.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to thank all law abiding Zimbabwean citizens for remaining peaceful as shown by the majority of them who did not participate in the disorderly conduct which was instigated by some unruly elements," she said.

She said by yesterday they had arrested 95 people in Harare following chaotic scenes caused by touts and rank marshals protesting against heavy traffic police presence on the roads on Monday.

Of the 95 arrested, 54 were arrested in Epworth and the other 41 in Ruwa. The suspects are expected to appear in court today.

"We are urging all peace loving Zimbabweans not to take heed of false messages which are circulating on social media alleging that Zimbabwe Republic Police officers seriously injured some people.

"There are no such cases of people who have been injured or killed as reported in some media circles. All these messages are meant to cause alarm and despondency and confusion amongst the generality of Zimbabweans who want to go to work tomorrow (today)," Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She said the public should disregard the false messages which were circulating on social media.

She said one example was a false message purporting that there was a curfew at 7pm yesterday.

"Such mischievous people will be arrested. Please dismiss and ignore all such messages as they hoodwink you into believing that you should participate in the illegal acts," Snr Asst Comm Charamba said.

She reiterated that no-one was allowed to block roads as it was against the laws of this country.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said looking at the current situation, police would be manning security roadblocks on the roads to monitor the situation and urged members of the public and motorists to co-operate with officers.

On Monday, police arrested more than 30 people in Harare following chaotic scenes caused by touts and rank marshals protesting against heavy traffic police presence on the roads.

Some Commuter omnibus operators were quick to distance themselves from the hoodlums saying they were engaged in dialogue with the Government and had no reason to resort to such protests.

There were skirmishes in Ruwa, Zimre Park, Mabvuku, Tafara and Epworth where the touts were blocking roads. Scores of people, including school children, were left stranded and had to walk to their workplaces and schools.

Police had to use teargas and water cannons to disperse the violent hooligans.

A survey carried out by the Herald revealed that the situation was calm in most parts of the city and police had been heavily deployed especially in Epworth and other surrounding areas.