Bulawayo police record significant crime decline

POLICE in Bulawayo yesterday announced a significant drop in crime across the province, with an eight percent decline recorded from January to September compared to the same period last year.

This comes despite the recent high-profile US$4 million Ecobank heist.

The officer commanding police in Bulawayo, Commissioner Wiklef Makamache, attributed the reduction in crime to increased partnerships with stakeholders and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in law enforcement efforts.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, Comm Makamache praised the positive impact of public and police partnerships.

“In the past 10 to 11 months, Bulawayo has not recorded a major crime, despite the recent attention around the US$4 million heist,” he said.

Comm Makamache said since his arrival in June last year, Bulawayo has seen a three percent reduction in overall crime, reflecting the police force’s competence.

However, he acknowledged that more work is needed, particularly regarding murder cases, which rose from 41 last year to 51 this year during the same period.

“I came to Bulawayo last year in June. The province since then has recorded a three percent decrease in crime, and we can attribute this to our competent police force. We want to eliminate crime and based on the figures from the previous year we are on top of it,” said Comm Makamache.

Despite this, armed robbery cases saw a significant reduction, dropping from 44 cases in 2023 to just 22 in 2024. Incidents of rape involving juveniles also declined, with 103 cases reported this year compared to 154 last year.

In terms of unlawful entry, Bulawayo recorded 2 677 cases this year, down from 2 928 cases in 2023.

However, stock theft incidents increased, with 210 cases reported this year compared to 176 last year.

Comm Makamache also expressed concern over the rise in assault cases, many of which are linked to domestic violence, alcohol, and substance abuse. He stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling these issues.

Comm Makamache said last year, 59 cases of theft of motor vehicles were reported compared to 51 this year.

“There are cases such as copper cable theft and the only way to curb these is through collaboration. This is an ongoing battle and it affects everyone,” he said.

Comm Makamache said in terms of traffic offences, last year, they recorded 709 cases of various nature compared to this year when they handled 3 511 cases.

The police chief lauded Bulawayo’s embrace of cutting-edge technology and AI to combat crime, saying the incorporation of AI technology into their policing will fundamentally transform how they combat crime in the city.

Comm Makamache said the initiative marks a major stride in propelling Zimbabwe into the realm of first-world advancements.

“As law enforcement officials, we may now quickly identify and monitor suspects by utilising state-of-the-art AI technology, which improves our ability to maintain law and order across vulnerable parts of the city,” he said.

“The incorporation of technology will fundamentally transform how law enforcement combats criminal activities in the city. Technology is leading this change by implementing the AI-powered Face Trace System (FTS) to increase the effectiveness of biometric criminal identification and detention.”

Comm Makamache said plans are underway to establish smart call centres and reintroduce a toll-free call service for residents.