By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has vowed to deal with anyone found engaging in electoral malpractices without fear or favour.

Addressing journalists at the ZRP Headquarters in Harare this morning (Tuesday), Senior Assistant Commissioner, Erasmus Makodza who is also the 2018 Commander of the Harmonised Elections, warned pepetrators of violence to desist from engaging in any acts of electoral malpractices since the force was on high alert.

“As the nation braces for the 2018 harmonised elections scheduled for the 30th of July 2018, the ZRP urges all political parties, candidates and their supporters to observe peace and the rule of law during the campaign period,” said Senior Assistance Commissioner Makodza.

He said while peace generally prevailed throughout the country, his organisation was however disturbed by reports of defacing or tearing of rival campaign posters, putting or pasting of posters on top of other candidates’ and removal of posters from trees at night.

“We have also received reports of rival supporters who are forcing rival supporters to remove party regalia which they will be wearing or even going to the extent of forcing them to wear their chosen party’s regalia against one’s consent,” he said.

He urged individuals and groups who are posting photo shopped videos of purported violence on social media platforms with the view of tormenting discord and disharmony in the country to desist from their acts.

“In some places, there are groups of people who are going about claiming ownership of specific areas and declaring them no go areas for campaigning by other candidates.

The police are fully alert and will deal with anyone who engages in any form of electoral malpractices without fear or favour,” said Senior Assistant Commissioner Makodza.

He urged members of the public, political parties, candidates and their supporters to take heed of the peace message and zero tolerance to violence which is being preached by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

“Members of the public are urged to report any political acts of intimidation, threats or violence, defacing or tearing of campaign posters to their nearest police station forbswift action to be taken by the police,” he said.