Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will step up surveillance and patrols in risk locations, including busy intersections and highways leading into cities and commercial areas during the festive season, a senior official has said.
Officer commanding Bulawayo province Commissioner Jasper Chizemo said this on Tuesday, adding as the festive season approaches, law enforcement agents will be monitoring accident prone areas in a bid to reduce accidents and crime.
“During this period, we witness a surge in travel and social activity so as the law enforcement agency we have intensified surveillance and monitoring in and around the province,” he said.
Chizemo said the police has partnered with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), Bulawayo City Council(BCC) and the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) to patrol in high risk locations and major roads in the country.
“This initiative came as a response to a surge in accidents and traffic offences especially during the festive season. We want to make sure there is quick responses and interventions. The heightened presence would include roadblocks, vehicle inspections and active engagement with drivers and pedestrians on traffic rules,” he said.
He also implored communities to cooperate by working together with police and reporting dangerous driving and other unsafe practices.
“In addition to traditional patrols, the operation will focus on awareness campaigns to educate the public about safe road use and responsible behaviour during celebrations. Speeding, poor judgement and overloading remain the main contributors to accidents. We implore motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving. This exercise will continue throughout the festive period. We are also going to deploy rapid response teams in critical zones to reduce accidents and protect lives,” he said.
According to statistics that the ZRP released, 1 211 road traffic accidents were reported nationwide between December 15 to 26 last year, resulting in 77 fatalities and 401 injuries.
Most of the accidents were attributed to human error such as speeding, drunk driving, overtaking errors, cellphones use and selfishness.
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