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Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police yesterday said they had put in place adequate measures to ensure that this year’s Heroes and Defence Forces holiday will be crime and accident-free countrywide.

According to the police, they will be working in conjunction with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and the Vehicle Inspection Department to ensure that sanity prevails on the roads.

In a statement, chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba urged motorists to exercise caution, observe road rules and regulations to safeguard lives.

“Statistics recorded by the police show that the majority of accidents have been attributed to speeding, human error, misjudgement, overloading and defective motor vehicles, hence motorists are reminded to ensure that their motor vehicles are roadworthy to carry passengers and goods from one point to another,” she said.

“We, therefore, appeal to all motorists to drive safely during the holiday and to value the sanctity of human life.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said for the convenience and safe travel of the public, the force will deploy police officers on all the country’s roads.

She urged motorists to cooperate with police officers at roadblocks and check-points.

“Apart from checking vehicle defects, the police will also be on the lookout for various traffic violations, stolen motor vehicles, wanted criminals, cattle rustlers and drug traffickers, among other offences.

“The ZRP will be working hand in glove with other stakeholders such as the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe and Vehicle Inspection Department to ensure that sanity and safety prevails on our roads to reduce road accidents.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said of late, they had noticed a trend where motorists were wantonly flouting road rules and regulations by driving against one way, proceeding against traffic lights, driving on pavements and failure to obey carriage way markings, among other offences.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba urged public service vehicle operators to employ drivers who are of the stipulated age and with all the required documents.

She said the force will not hesitate to impound all unroadworthy vehicles to save lives.

“Let us all cooperate with police officers as they discharge their constitutional mandate,” she said. “Members of the public who will be travelling to various destinations are also encouraged to board motor vehicles at designated points and not to use unregistered vehicles as they risk being robbed and losing their valuables in the process.”

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said the public should not leave their homes unattended and should make enough security arrangements to safeguard their properties.

She said parents and guardians should leave children, especially girls, in the hands of trusted adults to avoid cases of sexual abuse.