Bulawayo to host Police Commissioner General's funfair

THE Police Commissioner-General's annual funfair will for the first time in its history, be held in Bulawayo with a star-studded line-up expected to entertain thousands of people at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) show grounds on Saturday, July 9.

The 18th edition of the popular fair will have the likes of Sandra Ndebele, Iyasa, Jeys Marabini, Charles and Olivia Charamba and Sulumani Chimbetu as part of the entertainment on the day. They will be complemented by the police band.

Adults will pay $2 to enter the venue and $1 for children with a specially designed entertainment programme for the latter, which includes rides in the police traffic cars and bikes; jumping castles among a host of other games and rides.

Police displays, a mainstay at agricultural shows and other national events around the country, will be staged as well. A raffle to win televisions, a car and stoves will be conducted on the day.

National police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi said this year the funfair will be held in Bulawayo following many requests for it to be held elsewhere other than in Harare.

"For several years people have been complaining and pleading with the Commissioner General (Augustine Chihuri) to hold the funfair in Bulawayo. We saw it fit as the police service for the people that we should heed that call. It's a way of the police enjoying the day with the public and they could meet some police officers," said Chief Supt Nyathi.

"We call on neighbouring communities such as Gwanda, Esigodini and Figtree to come and join us on the day." He said all proceeds from the event will be donated the Commissioner General's charity activities.

"All the proceeds will go towards the charity, the Commissioner General of Police Welfare Fund, where we are sponsoring over 200 children all over the country. We want each and every person to play a part in this charitable cause," said Chief Supt Nyathi.

Those who want to sell wares during the day will according to Chief Supt Nyathi be afforded the chance as stalls will be available at $50 for individuals and $200 for companies. Meanwhile, the police have announced a route permit waiver for commuter omnibus operators in the city to facilitate smooth transportation of residents and school children to attend the event.

"All holders of valid commuter omnibus route authorities that operate within Bulawayo are advised that the route restrictions for their road service permits will be waived only on the 9th of July 2016.

"This will only be for the purpose of ferrying passengers attending the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Commissioner General of Police's funfair at the ZITF Show grounds in Bulawayo," said the ZRP in a statement.