Nyore Madzianike

Senior Reporter

POLICE have rolled out comprehensive measures to curb crime and promote road safety during the 2025 festive season, which is marked by increased travel, public gatherings and socio-economic activities.

In a statement, Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba said the force had heightened visibility nationwide in response to rising risks associated with road traffic accidents, criminal activity and violations of the law during the holiday period.

Police officers have been deployed across the country to conduct roadblocks, traffic blitzes, stop-and-search operations, as well as intensified motorised, foot and cycle patrols in central business districts, residential areas, industrial zones and leisure centres.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police acknowledge the onset of the 2025 festive season, a period marked by an increase in travel and socio-economic activities, as well as large public gatherings across the country.

“On the other hand, the country faces challenges of road traffic accidents, criminal activity and various violations of the law. This necessitates enhanced vigilance, heightened and proactive policing by the Zimbabwe Republic Police.”

Comm-Gen Mutamba urged members of the public to secure their homes when travelling and ensure someone keeps watch over their property.

On road safety, motorists were reminded that it is a collective responsibility, with drivers urged to observe speed limits, avoid overloading and plan journeys carefully.

He said night travel should be minimised due to increased risks arising from vision and observation challenges.

Comm-Gen Mutamba said defective or unroadworthy vehicles will be impounded, while the public was strongly discouraged from boarding non-public service vehicles such as pirate taxis and mushika-shika.

Private motorists were also cautioned against offering lifts to strangers to avoid the risk of robbery and loss of vehicles or valuables.

“Road safety is a collective responsibility by all Zimbabweans; therefore, motorists are urged to comply with speed limits, avoid overloading and plan their journeys accordingly.

“Above all, drivers should minimise night travel as some fatal road traffic accidents occur during these times due to vision and observation challenges.

“The Police will impound all defective or unroadworthy vehicles for the safety of Zimbabweans and visitors to the country.

“Members of the public are strongly discouraged from boarding non-public service vehicles, including pirate taxis and mushika-shika, for their own safety.

“Similarly, private motorists are urged not to offer lifts to strangers, as doing so exposes them to the risk of robbery cases, loss of their vehicles and valuables to criminals,” he said.

Comm-Gen Mutamba advised motorists to exercise caution on slippery roads and avoid crossing flooded rivers or bridges.

He also reminded public service vehicle operators to prioritise safety, while passengers were encouraged to report reckless driving to the police.

Comm-Gen Mutamba indicated that police will also intensify operations to curb smuggling and other illicit activities along the country’s borders, with traders directed to declare all goods at official ports of entry and exit.

“My office has directed Officer Commanding Provinces to take stern action on illegal liquor outlets during this holiday. Liquor outlets operating outside stipulated hours and those selling alcohol to minors, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Parents and guardians are cautioned against facilitating underage drinking and alcohol abuse during the festive gatherings,” he said.

Comm-Gen Mutamba called upon Zimbabweans to observe peace and exercise restraint during the festive season.

He expressed concerns over rising disputes during the festive period and urged the public to comply with laws governing the use of fireworks and firecrackers during New Year celebrations.

Comm-Gen Mutamba encouraged the public to refuse paying bribes and report corrupt or suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk.

“As families, businesses and institutions go about their daily activities, the public is urged to safeguard cash and valuables to minimise the risk of robbery and violent crime,” he said.