Own Correspondent|Since last week, government has maintained an unusually heavy police presence in Harare’s central business district in readiness for possible mass protests.

In Bulawayo yesterday, police accompanied by water cannons went around various suburbs in the city early morning, using hailers to plead with residents to ignore social media calls for protests and report for work.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told NewsDay that the police actions were not particular to Bulawayo, but to all citizens across the country.

“We are doing that across the country urging members of the public to continue with their activities in a peaceful environment. We are assuring residents that police are there to ensure that they are safe, and that their security is guaranteed,” he said.

Their campaign in Bulawayo cut across most western suburbs and began shortly after 5AM.

“Good morning Bulawayo residents, we hereby inform you that you are all safe and should feel free to go about your daily business as we have capable police officers deployed around the city for your safety. Those that work, you may go to work and all children must be in school, ignore Whatsapp messages instructing people to stay at home,” said Bulawayo acting spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube during the campaign in Tshabalala suburb.

In an interview, Insp Ncube said there was nothing amiss with police conducting the campaign early in the morning.

He said it was part of police duties to ensure the public are advised of their security in light of malicious social media messages designed to threaten public peace.

“We are calling on the people of Bulawayo to retain the culture of Bulawayo. In Bulawayo we are known for ubuntu and peace. But as police we are worried that there are inflammatory messages that are designed to disturb public peace and intimidate residents. The messages are causing unnecessary panic to members of the public. These messages are mainly circulating on WhatsApp. Residents are no longer informed but misinformed on what is really happening in the country due to these fake media messages,” Insp Ncube said.

He said the public should be on guard as some communication coming from social media has become destructive.

Insp Ncube said police have increased visibility to ensure public safety.

“We want to assure the public that their security is guaranteed as police are on high alert for anything that might threaten their security. Our officers are strategically deployed to deal with anything that threatens public peace,” he said.