Chitungwiza crime rate up

Tedious Manyepo Herald Reporter
Criminal activities in Chitungwiza soared between January and March this year as compared to the same period last year, a senior police officer has said. In an interview last Friday, Officer Commanding Crime in Chitungwiza District, Superintendent Spencer Nyararai said the rate of crime in the area has risen to alarming levels and the police has since intensified patrols to curb the trend.

Supt Nyararai said 8 531 cases have been reported during the period under review, compared to 6 415 recorded during the same period last year.

He said that the type of offences range from domestic violence, plain and armed robberies as well as theft.

“Criminal activities in Chitungwiza District have risen to alarming levels. Most of the crimes being committed are mostly as a result of drunkenness. We have increased our presence around beer drinking places, and our patrols in general, to make sure that we put a stop to this,” he said.

Chitungwiza District covers the general areas of Epworth, Zengeza, St Mary’s, Harare International Airport and Hatfield.

Meanwhile, the district received a shot in the arm after a local company, Surface Wilmar donated 20 bicycles and pledged some more to help the police intensify their cycle patrols.

The company’s representative, Miss Hilda Chikamhi said her company was committed to assisting the police to ensure that peace and order prevail in the community.

“This ceremony marks an important milestone in our collective effort to ensure that peace is maintained in our community,” she said.

The consignment was received by officer-in-charge of administration for the district, Supt Petronella Madzima on behalf of the district Chief Supt Amon Ndou.

Said Chief Supt Madzima, “This donation will go a long way in fighting vice in the society, and it is my sincere hope that other organisations will come aboard and join hands with the police in curbing crime.”