adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
POLICE in Bulawayo have intensified campaigns against domestic violence following an upsurge in murder cases in the city in the past three weeks.In just three weeks, six murder cases were recorded in the city.
Last Thursday, a Gwabalanda woman was stabbed to death by her enstranged husband, Gellot Ncube who later hanged himself.
On the same day another man from Entumbane killed his ex-wife’s boyfriend and on Saturday a taxi driver was found shot dead in Famona suburb.
Police have responded swiftly and on Tuesday carried out public campaigns at the National Railways of Zimbabwe Station castigating domestic violence.
Other police teams are moving within the city targeting areas where there are mass gatherings, like termini, to spread the message of peaceful resolution to conflicts.
Police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the number of murder cases recorded in the past three weeks was shocking.
“From March 15 up to now we have recorded 5 murder cases. We have recorded murder before but this is very alarming and due to these murders we have intensified our campaign against domestic violence,” he said.
Insp Moyo said most of the cases were related to mistrust in families as people who are killing each other were mostly partners.
“These murders are a result of infidelity, suspicion and those who can’t stomach that the love affair is over and resort to violence. This is done particularly by men,” he said.
Insp Moyo said the police public relations department offers counselling services and the public should approach their nearest police stations to seek assistance.
“We have also our hotline numbers 999, 995 and 885479 which members of the public can call for counselling purposes and report incidents of violence. Alternatively people facing conflict can approach elders in the community or church for assistance rather than fighting,” he said.
He added, “Police cannot prevent violence on their own as they cannot intervene in incidents that happen behind closed doors until it’s too late. We therefore need the support of the public to make the city an ideal place to live and work in”.
Meanwhile, a psychologist Juliet Makondora said the increase in murder cases may be a result of high levels of unemployment and the adoption of foreign cultures.
“Research shows that idle people are more likely to commit crime. Even those who are working might not be getting enough salaries and this leads to frustration. When bottled up frustrations explode and people end up doing unthinkable things,” said Makondora.
She added: “People are also adopting foreign cultures be it through the media or interaction with foreigners. For example in South Africa there is a high crime rate and some of the locals have been exposed to that lifestyle. When they come back into the country they end up doing what they would have seen there.”
Online Reporter