Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Beitbridge on Tuesday relaunched the police Client Service Charter and acknowledged the importance of the local community and business collaborative efforts to combat stock theft, which is a significant economic concern in the area.
Livestock production is one of the major economic anchors in the district that has an estimated 200 000 cattle, 150 000 goats, 90 000 sheep and 40 000 donkeys.
Most of these livestock are susceptible to stock theft involving local and cross-border stock theft syndicates operating from Gwanda, Mwenezi, Chiredzi, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
The reinvigoration of the ZRP Client Service Charter was held at Lutumba growth point, which is one of the hotspots of stock theft in the district.
Officiating at the gathering, the Officer Commanding Police Beitbridge District (Dispol) Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, highlighted the importance of this initiative, citing rising cases of armed robberies, drug trafficking, and stock theft.
He said with the help of community members, the Business Against Stock Theft, the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe and the District Crime Liaison Committee, the police had recorded a decline in cases of stock theft in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Chief Supt Ncube said last year a total of 16 cases were stolen during the period under review, while this year only six had been reported.
He urged community members to brand their livestock, put the necessary earmarks, always keep them on check and pen them and report cases as soon as possible so that the culprits could be swiftly brought to book.
“We are relaunching this Client Service Charter at a time when the District has recorded several cases of armed robberies and who have been moving around robbing people at Business Centres and residential areas,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
“It is also disturbing to note that cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse and stock theft have been rampant. May I take this opportunity to warn the criminals that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.”
He added that the police were also concerned about rising cases of armed robberies involving firearms after recording 13 cases between January and March this year, an increase from 11 in the same period last year.
Chief Supt Ncube stressed that the Client Service Charter was far more than a document; it was a solemn pledge and handshake extended to every human being within the confines of Zimbabwe.
He said it is a reaffirmation of what the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands for and pledges the police’s collective and undivided attention to pursue the needs and aspirations of the people in the country and visitors.
“Our shared security depends not only on individual vigilance, but also on everyone’s determination,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
“The ZRP aims to rebuild trust with the community, acknowledging past shortcomings and pledging to be a symbol of hope and justice.
“The relaunch is part of the ZRP’s efforts to achieve Vision 2030, focusing on a safe and secure environment for economic growth.”
In his remarks, Chief Matibe of Beitbridge East encouraged members of the community to support police efforts in fighting crime by providing critical information and also availing material resources for the police to deliver on their mandate.
Chairman of the Business Against Stock Theft (BAST) group, Mr Maxwell Ngwenya, said the reinvigoration of the Client Service Charter was a step in the right direction and pledged the business community’s full support to the police in fighting the crimes relating to stock theft.
“We are committed to working with the ZRP to reduce stock theft and create a safer environment for our businesses to thrive. I urge all stakeholders to support this initiative and join forces with the police to tackle this scourge,” he said.
“We are delighted to witness the relaunch of the Police Client Service Charter in Beitbridge. This marks a significant shift towards a more collaborative approach to crime prevention,” said Dr Felix Venge, chairperson of the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe.
Beitbridge RDC chairman, Clr Oscar Chiromo, noted that the coming together of the police and community to combat crime was yielding results.
He urged community members and the businesses to work together with the ZRP to establish police bases at major business centres, creating a safe and secure environment for businesses to thrive and investors to put their money.
Chairperson of the District Crime Liaison Committee, Mr Albert Muleya, said, “The relaunch of the Client Service Charter is a significant step towards building trust and collaboration between the police and our people. We’re committed to working with the ZRP to address crime hotspots and support initiatives that promote community safety.”
