The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has rolled out extensive security measures across the country to maintain peace and order during the 2024-2025 festive season. Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga announced the deployment of officers on major roads, residential areas, central business districts, and recreational sites to curb crime and road traffic accidents.
With increased traffic expected during the holiday period, the ZRP has introduced heightened roadblocks, traffic blitzes, stop-and-search operations, as well as motorized and bicycle patrols. Comm-Gen Matanga emphasized the need for all stakeholders, particularly transport operators, to prioritize public safety. "The volume of traffic on the roads will certainly increase, and road traffic accidents and violations of road rules and regulations will obviously take centre stage," said Comm-Gen Matanga. "The ZRP has made adequate deployments to make sure peace prevails throughout the period."
Road safety campaigns are being conducted to educate drivers and promote adherence to traffic regulations. Police will impound defective and unroadworthy vehicles, and pirate taxis and mushika-shika vehicles will be barred from checkpoints. Passengers have been urged to avoid using non-public service vehicles for their safety. Despite these measures, some commuter omnibuses (kombis) were seen operating on highways, defying regulations prohibiting them from traveling more than 60 kilometers outside city limits.
The past week has already witnessed several fatal road accidents, with over 10 lives lost and many injured across three separate incidents. One tragic case on the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway near Bubi involved three buses—Rimbi, Blue Circle, and Tombs—where two people died and two others sustained injuries following a pile-up. The incidents reportedly stemmed from mechanical failures and collisions, culminating in disaster.
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the deceased were taken to Beitbridge District Hospital mortuary, with the injured receiving medical attention. Caution was advised during the rainy season, as slippery roads present additional hazards. "May I caution drivers to avoid overloading of vehicles and speeding on the roads," Matanga warned.
Public transport vehicle operators were encouraged to minimize night travel, as most fatal accidents occur after dark, exacerbated by diminished visibility. The Commissioner also touched on the need for proper documentation for goods at ports of entry and exit, underscoring the importance of compliance with fiscal laws.
Looking forward to New Year celebrations, Matanga urged individuals prioritizing merriment to plan responsibly, especially with the use of fireworks. "The law will take its course without fear or favour on transporters involved in smuggling activities and those using undesignated points along our border lines to commit crime," he stated, ominously warning of the repercussions for non-compliance.
With serious concerns surrounding public safety, the ZRP has set out to clamp down on unlawful activities, including drug and substance abuse, robbery, and other violent crimes during the festive period. Families and businesses are counseled to avoid keeping large sums of cash at home to mitigate risks associated with burglary and theft.
Matanga concluded by urging revellers to adhere to the law to guarantee safety and security. He implored members of the public planning to celebrate the New Year with fireworks to inform local authorities and police well in advance. The ZRP's comprehensive measures aim to provide a secure environment for all to enjoy the festive season responsibly, fostering hope for peace and enjoyment among Zimbabweans this holiday period.
