Zimbabwe Agricultural Society yesterday launched the CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) which will be operating during this year's Harare Agricultural Show. The surveillance system would be used to monitor criminal activities after a child disappeared the Exhibition Park last year.

Given Flint Matapure's remains were discovered at the Exhibition Park which hosts the agricultural show a few months after he disappeared.

Zimbabwe Republic Police Chief Superintendent Garikayi Gwangwava commissioned the CCTV.

He said the CCTV would make patrolling easier during the show.

"For the century that we have been working with ZAS, our police officers have been patrolling during agricultural shows," said Chief Supt Gwangwava.

"I am happy the introduction of the CCTV will put half of their work's load off their shoulders.

"The CCTV will help the police to quickly react to activities that will be taking place during show days."

Chief Supt Gwangwava said the CCTV would also restore parents' confidence in the security for their children at the show.

"Now that the CCTV is installed, parents' fear that had loomed as a result of Given Matapure's disappearance will be dislodged," he said. "I hope parents will come to the show with their children."

ZAS chief executive officer Mr Les Mallet said the CCTV would be functioning throughout the year.

"The system is going to function throughout this year and we will ensure that there are more CCTV's along the exhibition parks' streets and buildings," he said.

Fuzzy Electronics installed the surveillance system. The company's group chief executive officer Mr Jeremiah Musabayana said people would still be expected to be vigilant despite the new security system.

"The system does not strip us as human beings of the responsibility of taking care of each other especially the younger ones, but it is there to assist security personnel in monitoring suspicious behaviour and to quickly apprehend criminal offenders," he said.

Mr Musabayana said the project would be handled in four stages which include installation of surveillance cameras on all entrance or exit points, putting additional cameras to cover grounds and other important areas.

This year's Harare Agricultural Show will be held from the 17 to 25 August.