adminMarvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
POLICE in Matabeleland South Province have called on communities to continue supporting them in the fight against high crime.
Speaking at the provincial police headquarters in Gwanda Town on Wednesday during the Cottco awards for police officers, the guest of honour, the officer commanding Matabeleland South Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Goodwill Munyaradzi Musariri said this year’s levels of crime were worrying compared to those of 2012.
He, however, said police in the province would continue fighting for a crime free and peaceful environment.
“It is rather regrettable that crime is actually on the upward trend when we compare the figures for this year and last year in cases of assault, stock theft, rape, unlawful entry, robbery and murder.
“It is incumbent for everyone to join hands and fight crime. However, as police in Matabeleland South we will not rest until sanity prevails. Various operations have been conducted and yielded positive results,” said Snr Asst Comm Musariri.
He expressed gratitude over the support police has been getting from members of the public. He said the flooding of people from other parts of the country had also contributed towards the increase in criminal activities in the province.
“Our province is endowed with mineral resources and this has seen an influx of people from all over in search of the prized minerals. This has seen an increase in illegal dealings in precious stones. I want to applaud the efforts by the police and other stakeholders in suppressing such acts by working towards the legal means of mining and disposal of the minerals,” said Snr Asst Comm Musariri.
He commended Cottco for cementing the good relationship it has with the police. Snr Asst Comm Musasiri also thanked other members of the business community who have also supported some provincial functions.
The awards, sponsored by Cottco, were meant to honour police officers who have exhibited zeal and dedication in carrying out their duties.
Among the police officers who were honoured for their excellent policing were officers from the press and public relations department, Asst Inspector Christopher Ngwenya, Sergeant Nkosilathi Sibanda and Asst Insp Loveness Ngwenya who is now the Gwanda District Community Relations Liaison Officer.
Online Reporter