Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has relaunched its Client Service Charter in Bulilima and Mangwe districts in a move to restore public trust and tackle escalating lawlessness.
The launch, held under the theme, “Pursuing innovative policing for safe communities towards Vision 2030,” saw Chief Superintendent Thomas Cabinet, Officer Commanding Police for Bulilima Mangwe District, issue a stern warning to criminal networks terrorising the district.
Chief Supt Cabinet revealed a disturbing rise in violent crimes, warning that police are intensifying collaboration with citizens to reduce crime.
“We are relaunching this Client Service Charter at a time when the district has recorded several cases of machete-wielding groups moving around assaulting people at business centres and panning sites,” he said.
“It is also deeply troubling to note that cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse and stock theft have become rampant. The long arm of the law will catch up with you. This Charter pronounces our commitment to meet the service delivery expectations of our clients.”
Chief Supt Cabinet acknowledged frayed relations between law enforcement agents and the community, vowing urgent repair.
“As the nation enters the final lap of the shared Vision 2030, we are clear on the overall expectation: an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income economy requires strong foundations anchored on a safe and secure environment. Today’s reaffirmation of our covenant is a step towards fortifying such foundations.
“Let me hasten to say that I am not blind to the murmurs of discontent and disapproval. I have heard the stories in the marketplaces, read the concerns in the newspapers, and felt the yearning for enhanced police service in my own community. The trust between the police and the public has, in some instances, deteriorated. I may liken it to a village well renowned for vibrancy, but which has begun to silt up,” he said.
Stock theft remains of great concern in the districts with a significant number of stolen livestock, predominantly cattle, are sold directly to abattoir owners after being taken from unguarded grazing lands.
Business Against Stock Theft (BAST) Chairman Mr Timothy Khupe said Bulilima and Mangwe districts continue to see a rise in stock theft. He urged citizens to partner with the police by supplying information.
“As concerned citizens, we must play our role in fighting stock theft. My plea to you all is that we should avoid late reporting of stock theft cases, as this jeopardises investigations,” said Mr Khupe.
He said Village Anti-Stock Theft Liaison Committees (VAST) and BAST committees must “stand their ground and work tirelessly” in providing resources and information.
“Daily herding and penning of livestock are very important, as some cattle stray onto highways where they are either hit by vehicles or stolen and slaughtered. Likewise, some livestock is being stolen from grazing lands where they are left unattended. Make sure you brand-mark your livestock with personal computerised brand marks for easy identification,” he added.
Senior Superintendent Derby Madabula of the Botswana Police Service (BPS), Selebi Phikwe Police Station in District 10, urged villagers to foster mutual respect to reduce crime.
“Be a police officer from your own home. Do not assault fellow villagers, protect them. I hope the crime rate will reduce from this day onwards. Let us also use proper ways to enter Botswana. This will reduce crime rates, as people get robbed while using unlawful paths,” he said.
Bulilima Mangwe District Crime Liaison Committee (CLC) Chairman Mr Callman Mguni warned against the use of narcotics, alcohol and substance abuse.
“Drugs and alcohol abuse must be avoided by all means. As a Crime Liaison Committee, we are committed to delivering services to the fullest,” Mr Mguni said.
