Police bolster deployments ahead of summit, holidays

Sunday Mail Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will deploy adequate personnel to maintain law and order during the forthcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, as well as the Heroes Day and Defence Forces Day holidays set to be commemorated next week.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said robust security measures were being put in place to ensure a peaceful environment during a month packed with high-profile events.

“The necessary deployments have been done to maintain peace and order during this period,” he said.

“The police Commissioner-General (Godwin Matanga) will issue a statement in due course.

“However, we want to reiterate that ZRP is ready and will ensure that not only SADC summit but also the Heroes and Defence Forces Day holidays are held in a peaceful environment.”

The deployments follow a series of attempts by some opposition activists to instigate violence ahead of the summit.

Comm Nyathi said police will also be out to deal with rogue motorists during the holidays to enforce road safety rules.

“In addition, public and private motorists should appreciate Government efforts of repairing our roads.

“Motorists have a responsibility and obligation of reciprocating in terms of road safety. This should be the case during the holidays, during the summit and beyond.”

Speaking after commissioning the rebuilt Holy Cross Dam in Chirumhanzu district, Midlands province, on Friday, President Mnangagwa said those bent on causing violence and unrest in the country will face the full wrath of the law.

“I have no doubt that we will provide our visitors with hospitality.

“We want peace so that we leave a legacy of peace.

“We have mischief makers who want to cause unrest in the country.

“Imi tumhesvamukono, ndichakusvasvangai zvekuti heki (You mischief makers, I will deal with you decisively),” said President Mnangagwa.

At a press conference in Harare last week, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said attempts by foreign-sponsored opposition elements to cause violent protests before or during the SADC summit will be met with befitting responses from the country’s law-enforcement agents.

“Spoilers and anti-development-minded forces shall be dealt with decisively,” said Minister Kazembe.

“We call upon the nation to ignore the numerous misleading social media messages from opposition quarters.

“We will go after those pushing for lawlessness and allow the law to take its course. This country has adequate laws to deal with those bent on lawlessness.”