Blessing Nduku

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in the Midlands Province is urging the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime during the Schools, Heroes, and Defence Forces holidays.

Officer Commanding Police Midlands Province, Partson Nyabadza, has advised residents, motorists, business operators, and holidaymakers to exercise caution during this period, which typically sees increased human and vehicular movement, creating opportunities for criminal activities.

In a statement issued by Propol Nyabadza on 7 August 2026, the police noted that the holiday season often sees a rise in serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, unlawful entry into premises, and theft.

Propol Nyabadza mentioned that while there was a decline in some crime cases recorded during the Heroes Holiday period in 2025 compared to 2024, communities must remain alert as authorities aim to further reduce crime this year.

Police statistics indicate that attempted murder cases increased from zero in 2024 to one in 2025. Robberies involving other weapons rose from three to four during the same period. However, incidents of robbery involving firearms decreased from five in 2024 to one in 2025. Unlawful entry and theft fell slightly from 18 cases in 2024 to 17 in 2025, while stock theft rose from three to four cases.

General theft cases increased from 28 to 31, while assault cases decreased from 57 to 51.

Nyabadza attributed some of the crimes recorded during holiday periods to factors such as alcohol and drug abuse, illegal shebeens, unattended homes, carrying large amounts of money, and keeping substantial cash at home.

“Although there was a decrease in crime rates in 2025 compared to 2024, this year we aim for an even greater reduction,” he stated.

Members of the public have been encouraged to take responsibility for protecting their homes and businesses by enhancing security measures such as installing burglar bars, screen doors, durawalls, and keeping guard dogs.

The police also warned residents against excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse, emphasizing that such behaviors often contribute to violence and other criminal activities.
The public has been advised to avoid carrying large amounts of money in vehicles or on their persons.

Those who keep cash at home have been urged to reconsider the practice, as it makes them potential targets for robbers.

Business operators, particularly those in the liquor industry, have been reminded to operate within the conditions of their licenses and to avoid activities that could encourage crime during the holidays.

The police also raised concerns about road safety, highlighting that increased traffic during the holidays often leads to road traffic accidents caused by reckless behavior among motorists.

Some common traffic offenses recorded during the Heroes Holiday period include driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, using mobile phones while driving, overloading, driving unroadworthy vehicles, and operating vehicles without valid driver’s licenses.

Statistics released by the police show that during the Heroes Holiday period in 2024, Midlands Province recorded two fatal accidents that claimed two lives, with no serious accidents and ten minor accidents, resulting in a total of 12 accidents.

In 2025, the province again recorded two fatal accidents with two people killed, one serious accident where three people were injured, and eight minor accidents, bringing the total number of accidents to 11.

The police stated that the loss of lives due to road accidents remains a significant concern, as protecting life and property is part of their constitutional mandate

. “Speed thrills but kills,” the police warned, urging motorists to obey traffic laws and prioritize safety. Motorists are advised not to drink and drive, as alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times.
Drivers have also been warned against using cell phones while driving, as this reduces concentration and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Public transport operators are encouraged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and not to set unrealistic targets for drivers, as this often encourages speeding and dangerous driving practices.
The police assured the public that adequate deployment measures would be put in place throughout Midlands Province during the holidays.

These deployments will include patrols and roadblocks covering residential areas, business centers, industrial areas, farming communities, communal areas, and major highways to ensure that people can enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday.

The police called on residents to report suspicious activities within their communities and work closely with law enforcement officials to prevent crime. “Midlands Province, you and I have a responsibility to safeguard life and property,” the police stated, encouraging everyone to play their part in making the province safe and secure.

They expressed confidence that through cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies, the province could see a further reduction in crime and road accidents during the holiday period.