The Sunday News
Johnsias Mutonhori, Sunday News Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged Lower Gweru villagers to refrain from the use of violence in solving disputes and to work hand-in-glove with the police to create a crime-free environment.
Lower Gweru is an area where illegal gold panners from Chiundura reside, which makes the community a hub of activity and ultimately a crime prone area.
Last year six murder cases were recorded from the community and only three cases led to the arrest of alleged killers, the highest from the Midlands Province, among other crimes that include robbery, stocktheft and rape.
However, to raise awareness, the Zimbabwe Republic Police have now set out to engage rural communities as they seek to create mutual working relations with community leaders and their villagers.
Speaking during one of the community engagements in Maboleni which was graced by Vungu constituency Legislator Omega Sibanda, last week, ZRP Midlands spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said:
“The process of ending crime requires collective effort where everyone has to participate.
It’s not only a responsibility of police or community leaders but it’s an inclusive process where every community member has to be co-operative.
You must collaborate with the police and your community leaders so to achieve a crime-free environment,” Inspector Mahoko said.
Honourable Sibanda echoed Inspector Mahoko’s sentiments, albeit warning some police officers to desist from taking bribes which he believes was an impediment in all efforts to end crime.
“Some police and community leaders must shun corruption activities so that you can boost confidence among our communities.
The police must act professionally when conducting their duties especially when interrogating informants and informers.”
Honourable Sibanda also went against some police officers who interrogate passengers traveling using unfit commuter omnibuses pirating by reckless drivers.
“Some police officers must desist from harassing and interrogating passengers.
You must only arrest the culprit if caught out of law and, a police officer has to accompany the kombi while passengers proceed with their journey.”
Honourable Sibanda also despised some officers who break lockdown regulations.
“We’re receiving reports that some police officers are seen in local bars while their uniforms, drinking beer during late hours which is against our lockdown regulations.
You must not put your name in such disrepute and risk losing respect in the communities you are required to serve,” said Hon Sibanda.
Community leaders were also warned against parcelling out land without following due processes.
The community engagement is a yearly event organised by the police in partnership with Business Against Crime Association with the agenda of taking everyone on board in an effort to create a crime-free environment.
