{"id":8569,"date":"2026-03-26T16:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zrp.gov.zw\/?p=8569"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:19:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:19:09","slug":"press-statement-25-march-2026-statement-by-the-commissioner-general-of-police-on-the-2026-easter-and-independence-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zrp.gov.zw\/?p=8569","title":{"rendered":"PRESS STATEMENT :\u00a025 MARCH 2026 – STATEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER-GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE 2026 EASTER AND INDEPENDENCE HOLIDAYS"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the school first term concludes and the nation braces for the 2026 Easter and Independence Day celebrations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police<\/strong>\u00a0stands ready to ensure that peace prevails throughout the country.<\/p>\n

The ZRP<\/strong>\u00a0therefore urges parents, guardians and school authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of learners as they move from one point to another throughout the holidays. Parents and guardians should ensure that children are protected from abuse, exploitation and exposure to drug and substance abuse.<\/p>\n

The ZRP<\/strong>\u00a0is taking decisive action on drug and substance abuse peddlers. I urge Zimbabweans to report anyone trafficking or peddling drugs at any nearest Police Station.<\/p>\n

The Easter holiday period is characterized by increased movement of people across the country to attend church services, family gatherings and Independence Day commemorations. Accordingly, I have directed all Officers Commanding Police Provinces to put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the safety and security of the public at gatherings at national, provincial and district levels.<\/p>\n

My office implores Zimbabweans to commemorate Easter holiday and the country\u2019s \u00a046th<\/sup>\u00a0\u00a0Independence anniversary responsibly.<\/p>\n

The ZRP<\/strong>\u00a0will be on high alert and will conduct road blocks, stop and search blitz and patrols to maintain law and order throughout the holidays.<\/p>\n

Motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and comply with the country\u2019s road rules and regulations. The public is encouraged to use roadworthy, registered and duly licensed public transport. The use of unregistered vehicles, including those without number plates, will not be allowed by the Police. The ongoing police operation targeting plateless vehicles and vehicles unlawfully fitted with beacon lights, blue lights as well as other dangerous fittings will be intensified during this period, with offenders facing arrest and prosecution without fear or favour.<\/p>\n

Drivers are reminded to avoid overloading of vehicles, speeding, dangerous overtaking actions, driving against the flow of traffic and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Members of the public are warned against boarding pirate taxis, commonly known as \u201cmushikashika,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0as these expose commuters to risks such as road traffic accidents and robbery cases. The recently re-launched National Highway Patrol will take stern action on any unruly driving conduct by drivers on the country\u2019s roads.<\/p>\n

The operation of shebeens and unlicensed liquor outlets remains a matter of serious concern to the Police, as these often fuel violent crimes and public disorder. The Police will conduct targeted operations to shut down such establishments in terms of the Liquor Act [Chapter 14:12]<\/strong>\u00a0and all offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.<\/p>\n

The public is also advised to remain vigilant against criminal activities such as unlawful entry and theft, robbery, murder and stocktheft cases. Citizens are urged to secure their homes, livestock and valuables and avoid carrying large sums of money to curtail robbery cases.<\/p>\n

Criminal syndicates especially armed robbery gangs targeting law enforcement officers, are warned that any attack on police officers or resistance to lawful arrest will face the appropriate response and lawful force. The Police will thus act decisively to protect lives and maintain law and order without any form of compromise or hesitation.<\/p>\n

The ZRP <\/strong>reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and peaceful holiday through intensified deployments, continuous patrols and awareness campaigns. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious criminal activities through the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 <\/strong>or WhatsApp 0712 800 197<\/strong>, or at any nearest Police Station.<\/p>\n

I also wish to implore members of the public to report untoward decorum by our police officers to ensure discipline.<\/p>\n

I urge all Zimbabweans to remain law abiding and responsible citizens during this period. Finally, I wish the nation and all visitors accident and crime free Easter and Independence holidays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

S Mutamba \u00a0\u00a0\u2018 GCZM\u2019, \u2018PLESM\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner-General of Police<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the school first term concludes and the nation braces for the 2026 Easter and Independence Day celebrations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police\u00a0stands ready to ensure that peace prevails throughout the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[188],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-press-statements"],"yoast_head":"\nPRESS STATEMENT :\u00a025 MARCH 2026 - STATEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER-GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE 2026 EASTER AND INDEPENDENCE HOLIDAYS - Zimbabwe Republic Police<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/zrp.gov.zw\/?p=8569\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"PRESS STATEMENT :\u00a025 MARCH 2026 - 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