More police deployed for public holidays

POLICE have deployed more officers on the ground to quell any disorder ahead of the Heroes and Defence Forces Holidays.

On Monday and Tuesday the country will commemorate the annual holidays and the police have said they will be out in full force on the roads and residential areas.

National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday advised citizens to stay on the right side of the law.

She said the holiday has coincided with the school holidays which will contribute to massive movement of people and traffic.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will be out in full force to check various traffic violations, stolen vehicles and movement of criminals. The police will be also deployed in residential and industrial areas to protect life and property,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

“Our statistics have revealed that speeding, human error, misjudgement, tyre bursts, over loading and defective motor vehicles are largely to blame for traffic accidents. The condition of tyres should be checked before embarking on any journeys as tyre bursts have caused a significant number of accidents,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.

She urged drivers to refrain from driving while drunk.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said drivers should also be mindful of children, the elderly and animals on the roads.

She said public transport should not be driven by people under the age of 25 as stipulated by law.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joram Gumbo, said public transport operators should not overwork employees.

“Operators are strongly urged to desist from the habit of over-working their drivers which results in fatigue and failure to adhere to their timetables. My ministry will deal decisively with any operator whose drivers behave in a manner that disregards the sanctity of human life,” said Dr Gumbo.

He said those found on the wrong side of the law will risk having their licences cancelled for non compliance with road regulations.