Arron Nyamayaro
APPROPRIATE levels of police officers at all polling stations, collation, constituency, provincial and national command centres to ensure that effective law and order is maintained during the voting process and thereafter, have been deployed, a top cop has said.
Commissioner General of Police (CGP) Godwin Matanga said this yesterday on the police’s state of preparedness for the elections day and the preceding period.
He warned people, who will gather close to polling stations that police will not hesitate to arrest and be charged accordingly.
“As the country heads for the anticipated Harmonised Elections, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reiterates that the security environment is indeed peaceful for the nation to hold free, fair, peaceful and credible elections,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.
“However, the ZRP is concerned with political utterances by some political leaders that they will not accept results which are not in their favour and at the same time calling upon voters to gather at polling stations after casting their votes in what they call defend your vote through register, elect and protect.
“As if that is not enough, we have noted that some purported civic organisations such as Team Pachedu and others are sending messages on social media platforms mobilising the public to gather within the 301m radius at polling stations while waiting for the election results.
“Unruly elements bent on causing chaos, alarm and despondency in the country are accordingly warned.
“I urge the voters to peacefully cast their votes and go back home, to church or any socio-economic activity one is set to conduct.
“No gatherings shall be allowed by the police at polling stations.
“The public should feel free to conduct various family, business and other social activities with no disruption as police officers are firm on the ground for their safety,” said Comm-Gen Matanga.