Cops rope in community leaders to fight crime

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
POLICE in Matabeleland South Province have appealed to community leaders to help in the fight against crime in their communities.
Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said crime was on the increase in the province hence the appeal to community leaders to assist in fighting it.

Insp Ndebele who was addressing Gwanda Rural District councillors during a full council meeting on Friday, said there was a need for the community leaders to complement police efforts in fighting crime.

“We are appealing to you as councillors to work with us in fighting crime. We know that as community leaders you have influence on communities and can help us through educating the people on the importance of shunning crime,” said Insp Ndebele.

Cases of concern include murder, rape, robbery, stocktheft, unlawful entry, theft and smuggling.

Last year the province recorded a 12 percent increase in crime with 11,243 cases recorded compared to 10,068 cases that were recorded in 2012.

“We need to educate people to avoid going around carrying weapons such as knives because at the slightest provocation, one ends up committing a crime.

“Most people are also into smuggling of items into the country and that is impacting negatively on our economy. We are therefore appealing to you to encourage people to pay duty as expected,” said Insp Ndebele.

Speaking at the same meeting, the Victim Friendly Unit (VFU) provincial coordinator Insp Dorcas Ngwenya said cases of rape involving relatives were on the increase and this was a cause for concern.

“So far in January this year, we received one case of a father who raped his two year old daughter. Even brothers are raping their sisters.

“Statistics revealed that children aged 12 years and below are in most cases victims of rape cases. In order to protect the vulnerable children, parents should avoid leaving children under the custody of male relatives,” she said.

Insp Ngwenya said children should move in groups on their way to and from school to avoid being attacked by rapists.