The Sunday News
SEVEN outstanding members of various neighbourhood watch committees in Lupane district were recently awarded certificates of appreciation, for the effort they have been making in the fight against crime in the district.
The award ceremony was held in Tsholotsho and was attended by chiefs, school heads, traditional leaders, from the district and senior members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who included officers in charge of the six police stations in Lupane district.
In his speech during the ceremony, the Officer Commanding Lupane District, Chief Superintendent Johannes Chinembiri Govo said awarding the members of the neighbourhood watch committees was a way of thanking them for a job well done, since they offered voluntary service.
“The seven were selected from a pool of vibrant members of the NWC (neighbourhood watch committees) who are working tirelessly during day, night and in all weather conditions. Walking abnormal distances on foot is now a norm to them. I appeal to all the transport operators to assist our NWC members where possible. These members have contributed a lot in the reduction of crime for the period June 2013 to December 2013. They have made 287 arrests and recovered property worth $45 327,” he said.
Chief Supt Govo also raised the issue of rampant poaching, where last year several heads of elephants were reportedly poisoned by poachers.
“During the last half of 2013, we witnessed some rogue elements in our society who went on a poaching spree killing a fraction of our God given elephants and other wildlife. We saw Government ministers coming down to assess the damage in and around Hwange National Park and Tsholotsho,” said Chief Supt Govo.
He urged police officers, members of various neighbourhood watch committees and traditional leaders to work hand in glove so as to curb the rampant crime rate, as some traditional leaders would be aware of the whereabouts of wanted persons.
“Violent cases are also rife in Tsholotsho. If you read in the local newspapers you will always find cases like murder, attempted murder, robbery and assault having been committed in and around Tsholotsho. I appeal to you to shun anything related to crime,” he said.
According to a statistical report presented at the event, the crime rate in the district had dropped to 296 cases being reported this year for the period of January to April as compared to January-April 2013, where 358 cases were reported.
Lupane district has a total of six police stations, which are in Nyamandlovu, Jotsholo, Lupane, Insuza, Sipepa and Tsholotsho.
