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Fortunate Gora Mashonaland West Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP) has pledged to work with other security organs in the country to maintain law and order during the festive season and in the run up to the 2018 harmonised elections.

Officer commanding police in Mashonaland West Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Rangarirai Mushaurwa said they were geared to working with other security organs, including the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to maintain peace.

This, she said, was in line with the ZRP theme for 2018: “ZRP promoting Gracious Peace and Economic Stability”.

Snr Asst Comm Mushaurwa was speaking at the launch of the Mashonaland West provincial Festive Season Crime and Traffic awareness campaign in Chinhoyi on Friday.

The campaign brought together stakeholders, including the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe, Environmental Management Agency, Zimbabwe National Army, the Vehicle Inspection Department, Chinhoyi Municipality and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Snr Asst Comm Musharurwa warned that perpetrators of violence and instigators of instability would not be tolerated in the run up to next year’s elections.

“It is in this spirit of promoting peace that you see us today, and in the future joining hands with other security organs in campaigns, patrols and other law enforcement activities,” she said.

“With the forthcoming harmonised elections due next year in 2018, this theme resonates very well with our constitutional mandate as espoused in section 219 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) that is preserving the internal security of Zimbabwe, among other functions.’’

Snr Asst Comm Mushaurwa urged drivers to observe road rules and regulations, which included abstaining from driving while under the influence of alcohol, avoiding speeding to prevent loss of life.

“I urge all operators to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys,” she said. “All motorists are discouraged from overloading and should not attempt to cross overflowing bridges.”

Snr Asst Comm Mushaurwa urged members of the public to avoid boarding private vehicles, saying some of the owners pretend to be good Samaritans, but later turn out to be highway robbers.

Conversely, she urged motorists to be careful as they may become victims of robbery by people they would have given lifts.

She also warned pedestrians against using unlit and less used roads during the night, as some people, especially women, have become victims of rape and robberies.

“Members of the public must also avoid using unlit footpaths at night because these are hunting grounds for robbers and rapists,” said Snr Asst Comm Musharurwa. “Residents should also be advised not to leave their houses unattended as this creates opportunity for criminals to gain entry and steal their valuables during this festive season.”