Matanga confirms heavy police deployment ahead of SADC summit
By Staff Reporter
Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga says he has deployed “adequate” officers to patrol residential areas and to cover major roads as well as centres set to be used next week by visiting SADC heads of state and their delegations for both work and accommodation.
The police boss said this in a Friday statement to confirm a heavy deployment of truckloads of police officers accompanied by military war trucks that have rolled into suburbs in Harare, Bulawayo and other major towns in the country.
Zimbabwe hosts the SADC summit on 17 August amid a tense atmosphere that has seen police round up over a hundred government critics who include opposition politicians and rights activists.
This follows mooted threats of demonstrations centred around high level corruption, poverty and a call to pressure SADC leaders to act on the outcome of Zimbabwe’s condemned 2023 election.
Matanga said police have been deployed in parts of the country to ensure security ahead of and during the high-profile regional indaba.
“As the Government of Zimbabwe hosts the forthcoming 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit from 17-18th August 2024, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, I want to assure all the foreign dignitaries, visitors and Zimbabweans that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has deployed adequate police officers and resources to ensure that peace prevails not only in Harare but in all parts of the country,” said the police boss.
“It is also a fact that the SADC Summit is going to be preceded by the 2024 commemoration of the nation’s Heroes and Defence Forces holidays.
“In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployments will cover all these high-profile events.
“May I therefore urge Zimbabweans to exhibit the law-abiding citizen philosophy through which our country is known for in the world.
“Let us welcome all the SADC dignitaries and tourists as we reiterate the Police’s guarantee of their safety and security.”
Matanga added, “In this regard, police officers deployed on roadblocks and other traffic enforcement duties will impound all unroadworthy vehicles and take stern action on any motorist who will be found driving through red traffic lights, going against the flow of traffic or creating third or fourth lanes on the roads.
“This include those who will be found driving under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should cooperate with police officers controlling or directing traffic at road junctions, traffic lights and other points.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also deployed police officers at all the facilities where SADC guests will reside and visit resort centres or leisure spots throughout the country.”
READ FULL STATEMENT:
COMMISSIONER-GENERAL OF POLICE’S STATEMENT ON HEROES AND DEFENCE FORCES HOLIDAYS COMMEMORATION AND SADC SUMMIT POLICE DEPLOYMENTS
As the Government of Zimbabwe hosts the forthcoming 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit from 17-18th August 2024, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, I want to assure all the foreign dignitaries, visitors and Zimbabweans that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has deployed adequate police officers and resources to ensure that peace prevails not only in Harare but in all parts of the country.
It is also a fact that the SADC Summit is going to be preceded by the 2024 commemoration of the nation’s Heroes and Defence Forces holidays. In this regard, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployments will cover all these high profile events.
May I therefore urge Zimbabweans to exhibit the law abiding citizen philosophy through which our country is known for in the world. Let us welcome all the SADC dignitaries and tourists as we reiterate the Police’s guarantee of their safety and security.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police implores motorists to be exemplary in their driving conduct after the recent rehabilitation and construction of major roads in Harare and other parts of the country by the Government of Zimbabwe.
In this regard, police officers deployed on road blocks and other traffic enforcement duties will impound all unroadworthy vehicles and take stern action on any motorist who will be found driving through red traffic lights, going against the flow of traffic or creating third or fourth lanes on the roads. This include those who will be found driving under the influence of alcohol. Motorists should cooperate with police officers controlling or directing traffic at road junctions, traffic lights and other points.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has also deployed police officers at all the facilities where SADC guests will reside and visit resort centres or leisure spots throughout the country.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police will also maintain its usual visibility in residential, industrial areas and Central Business Districts through patrols, stop and search blitz and monitoring suspects who might want to take advantage of the pending holidays and the SADC Summit to commit criminal acts.
May I also appeal to parents to prioritize the safety and security of children during this holiday. As the nation steps up the fight against drug and substance abuse in the country, I urge the public to continue giving my office information on drug barons and suppliers for the law to take its course without fear or favour.
The Police will also take decisive action against anyone operating unlicensed liquor outlets or shebeens during this period. Owners of licensed liquor outlets are enjoined to conduct their business within the parameters of their respective licences and ensure that they observe the stipulated opening and closing times of their outlets.
May I implore the public to feel free to report any criminal acts to the police at various stations or contact the National Complaints Desk for swift action to be taken.
Finally, May I take this opportunity to wish all visitors to the country a safe stay and hospitality. Please enjoy the safety and security of Zimbabwe during your stay.
TG Matanga
Commissioner-General of Police Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Zimbabwe
