Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
POLICE in Beitbridge are carrying out a series of community engagement programmes to foster collaborations in the wake of a relative increase in crime between January and April this year.
The programme started off at the crowded Dulivhadzimu long-distance bus terminus on Wednesday supported by various Government agencies, church leaders, crime fighting committees and community leaders.
The Officer Commanding Beitbridge district (Dispol), Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, said they were worried at the rate at which crimes of interest were increasing and hence the need for collaborations.
He said the major crimes include murder, robbery, rape, having sex with minors, domestic violence, aggravated assault, indecent assault, unlawful entry and assault.
“We are very worried about this trend and we appeal to the community to collaborate with us to reduce crime in our society,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
“Combating crime needs us to put our heads together, as it affects all of us as a community. It is sad to note that between January and April this year, we recorded 360 crimes of interest.
“This includes robbery (64), rape (8), having sexual intercourse with minors (9), domestic violence (35), indecent assault (2), unlawful entry (154) and assault (88).
“Such a state of affairs is not good at all; we need to work hard to reduce this trend together.”
Chief Supt Ncube said the police were worried about rising cases of drug smuggling and drug peddling across the town.
The common drugs being smuggled and peddled include crystal meth, prohibited cough syrups, mbanje, skin lightening creams, sex enhancing drugs for men and women among others.
He also attributed the rising cases in violent crimes to the use and abuse of drugs and related substances in the community.
“Although we continue to arrest the drug peddlers and other criminals, we cannot effectively police the district without the community’s support and collaboration from all line stakeholders. It is all our duty to ensure we have a crime-free environment,” said the Dispol.
