The ManicaPost
Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa —
The year 2017 is coming to an end and it is time we reflect on the road we travelled together in trying to curb crime with the hope of bringing it to an end in this province.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will always endeavour to ensure that incidents of crime are brought to such levels as facilitates the normal operation of our day to activities so as to be able to make the best out of our hard work and sweat. As we are already in the festive season, the ZRP is strategically positioning itself to grapple with the traditional trends in policing where crime, road traffic and other seasonal incidents that impact for bad on our people are usually the order of the day.
The festive period, as always, will run from the of December 15, 2017 to January 15, 2018. Criminals always plan their heinous activities for this period. The need to capitalise on the hard-spending individuals and make a killing in quick profits often supersedes that of taking necessary measures for companies/individuals to protect themselves from falling prey to criminals.
Drunkenness becomes excessive and there is general disregard of the law and self-restraint which results in the commission of crimes of violence like murder, assaults, public violence and various acts of individual misconduct.
Furthermore, the demand for meat during the festive period will rise and cases of stocktheft will also be on the increase because of the availability of a ready market for meat.
The sudden availability of large sums of money as alluded to above should actually go along with the exercise of utmost individual discipline. Check your excitement and be responsible. As we spent time in our homes, travel, do business, party and make merry, ensure your own safety first and that of the person next to you be they children, relatives, neighbours or visitors. It is the general lapse in basic precautionary measures that has in the past rendered us susceptible to criminal vulnerability.
As police our mandate is to preserve a state of orderliness and tranquillity in the country and as such, police officers shall be deployed at all strategic points to prevent road carnage and the commission of all crimes. The public is therefore called upon to desist from the tendency of wanting to commit crime and disrespecting as well as disobeying police officers. In fact, they must refrain from hindering the police in the performance of their duties.
Already the volume of vehicular traffic on our roads has started increasing immensely and already, the roads have had their toll with lives already lost in some parts of the country, Manicaland not spared. It is our appeal that we should learn to police ourselves where the police are not readily available and we should feel obliged to do any of the following:-
◆ Always voice your concern where there is bad driving conduct be it overloading (passengers or goods), speeding, and recklessness such as going through red robots or overtaking at blinds.
◆ Desist from the habit of boarding non-public service vehicles or an already fully loaded vehicle.
◆ Ensure your livestock especially cattle and donkeys are closed up in pens during the night. These roam or sleep on highways and accidents have occurred when motorists hit or try to avoid them. Besides they also become prone to theft.
◆ The rainy season is upon us. Slow down or park vehicles in bad weather, i.e. during heavy rains or in misty conditions. Do NOT attempt to cross flooded rivers or bridges.
◆ Keep vehicles with defects off the road. Always think; brakes, lights, indicators, tyres, wipers, suspension, etc.
◆ Do not drive whilst under fatigue, i.e. tired or exhausted or when feeling sleepy.
◆ Plan your journeys in advance to avoid speeding or urging drivers to speed in order to catch up with time.
DO NOT BE A STATISTIC OR CAUSE OTHERS TO BE. Let us all make this festive season a joy and memorable one.
THE WATCHWORD IS SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY. Let us all make this festive season a season with a difference.
ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
