Zimbabwe’s security cluster has activated robust
anti-terrorism measures which will see police introduce special anti-terror
personnel, drones and other monitoring mechanisms commensurate with the
magnitude of all political gatherings countrywide.
The measures come as police boost security ahead of the
July 30, 2018 harmonised elections, and follow the June 23 attempt on President
Emmerson Mnangagwa’s life soon after addressing a rally at White City Stadium
in Bulawayo.
The attack has been roundly condemned locally and
internationally, and President Mnangagwa has said it will not stop elections
from going ahead as constitutionally scheduled.
In an interview in Harare last week, Zimbabwe Republic
Police Commander for the 2018 Harmonised Elections Committee, Senior Assistant
Commissioner Erasmus Makodza said at least 45 000 specially trained police
officers had been tasked to handle security countrywide.
“There will be increased vigilance and increased police
visibility at all rallies. We will also ensure that we deploy more plain
clothes police office amongst the crowds and we shall be using drones to
monitor activities at rallies and capture what is going on.
“As of our deadline which is 30 June 2018 (yesterday), we
expect to have officially trained 45 000 officers ahead of the elections.
“Our training is focusing on management of harmonised
elections, the Electoral Act, public order and disorder training, and human
rights.
“We also have a manual that we have produced for all
officers involved. It basically contains the key elements of the Electoral Act
which the police will be using during the elections.”
Snr Asst Comm Makodza said police district and provincial
commanders were in the process of issuing bans on dangerous weapons, a process
that would culminate in a national prohibition order.
“In terms of the bans on dangerous weapons, officers
commanding in districts that include Masvingo, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland,
Midlands, Mashonaland East have already started issuing the bans that make
certain weapons illegal prohibited weapons are catapults, knobkerries, bows and
arrows, knives, machetes, axes and spears.
He said the environment was relatively calm with cases of
intra-party violence having been recorded mostly during party primary elections.
Snr Asst Comm Makodza said most cases of intra-party
violence had not gone to prosecution as those involved opted for out-of-court
settlements.
“The ZRP acknowledges that the nation has heeded the call
by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa to carry out elections campaigns
in a peaceful environment,” he said.
“Besides the Bulawayo incident, which we have come up with
practical measures to prevent in the future, this election is very peaceful. We
are confident the call for peace has been received by most Zimbabweans.
“During our assessment in the provinces, on the state of
preparedness for the elections, we note traditional and religious leaders are
in line with us, they agree that the elections this time are peaceful, compared
to the previous polls.” Sunday Mail
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