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Crime Reporter

Police have been heavily deployed countrywide ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces Day holidays. Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday urged members of the public to cooperate with police, especially at roadblocks. “The Heroes and Defence Forces holidays are upon us and incidentally, they are coinciding with the closing of schools for the second term holiday. Experience has taught us that there will be an increase in human and vehicular movement on roads during this period as people travel from one place to another.“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will be out in full force to check for various traffic violations, stolen motor vehicles and moving criminals. The police will also be deployed in residential, industrial and other areas to protect life and property,” she said.

She appealed to motorists to ensure that their vehicles were serviceable and roadworthy before they embark on their journeys.

“We urge motorists to cooperate with police officers as they perform their duties to avoid inconveniences and ensure there is law and order for the safety of the public,” Snr Asst Comm Charamba said.

She said statistics revealed that speeding, human error, misjudgement, tyre bursts, overloading and defective motor vehicles were largely to blame for road traffic accidents.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the condition of tyres should be checked before drivers embark on any journeys, as tyre bursts had also caused a significant number of accidents.

“The ZRP would like to warn the public to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse while travelling on the roads. Where possible, people should avoid travelling at night since poor visibility contributes to road traffic accidents.

“Drivers should be on the look-out for children, the elderly and animals as they move on the road. They should be cautious on approaching built-up areas,” she said.

She urged commuter omnibus operators to employ drivers who are of the stipulated age with all the requirements to drive public service vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has urged commuters to caution drivers who speed and to report those who do not abide by the traffic rules and regulations.

PAZ president Mr Tafadzwa Goliati called on churches who will be having conventions to also avoid overloading hired vehicles during this holiday.

“This Heroes and Defence Forces holidays, PAZ is encouraging the travelling public to use passenger service vehicles that have passenger liability cover so as to get compensation in the event of an accident. PAZ is also encouraging commuters to travel in roadworthy vehicles,” he said.