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Chihuri justifies heavy police presence

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Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday attributed the heavy police presence on major highways and street corners to the sharp rise in crime over the past few months.

Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri yesterday attributed the heavy police presence on major highways and street corners to the sharp rise in crime over the past few months.

Report by Wonai Masvingise Addressing guests at a police pass-out parade at Morris Depot in Harare, Chihuri said police had witnessed a sharp increase in the number of reported crimes between January and June this year and implored the courts and the public to assist in combating the scourge.

  “It is, thus, disturbing to note that crimes of concern increased by 7% from 95 992 cases recorded from January to June last year to 102 754 cases received this year during the same period,” Chihuri said.

  “Contrary to some people who are unwarrantedly complaining of the so-called heavy police presence, we are in fact determined to increase police visibility, whether on the roads, streets or in communities in order to enhance police service accessibility as well as deterring would-be offenders.”

  He also said police would soon establish a model court to train police in evidence gathering and presentation during court processes. Of late, the judiciary has accused the police of rushing to arrest and bringing suspects to court without carrying out thorough investigations. But police have on the other hand accused the judiciary of releasing suspects under unclear circumstances.

  “I wish to reiterate the importance of having strong bonds among all stakeholders in the criminal justice system such as the police, the courts and indeed the public. High crime rates are indicative of social sickness and the three partners have a collective responsibility to cure our society of such social malady,” he said.

  “Accordingly, let me assure the nation that police officers shall remain vigilant in order to bring to book motorists, notorious for wayward driving. We cannot allow motorists to turn our roads into death traps as this would be tantamount to the ineffective discharge of our constitutional mandate of protecting lives.”