adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge Town Council’s finance and administration committee chairperson Cde Max Chikova has mobilised his own resources to clear bushes in most crime hotspots in the border town.
In an interview yesterday, Cde Chikova, who is also Ward One councillor, said the main objective was to contribute towards the reduction of violent crimes including robberies, murder and rape.
He said the move was part of the promises he made to the electorate during campaigns for the harmonised elections in 2013.
Cde Chikova said so far, workers had managed to clear bushes near Beitbridge Government Primary School, Caravan Park, St Mary’s High School and along Hagelthorn Road.
Beitbridge is grappling with an upsurge in crime such as robberies and murder, which usually occur along footpaths dotted around the border town.
A few weeks ago, a man was murdered and had his car stolen after he was waylaid in bushes near a school where he had parked the vehicle.
“You’ll note that most of the violent crimes such as robberies, murder and rape are being committed in these bushes,” said Cde Chikova.
“As a community leader, I’ve mobilised resources to ensure that we clear all the crime hot spots.”
Cde Chikova who is also a renowned businessman in the border town said he had been engaging the police and other stakeholders with the view of intensifying overnight patrols around the town.
He also called on the business community to consider giving back to the society through initiatives such as repairing and construction of key infrastructures.
He said the town council was involved in a number of development projects, but poor funding was affecting progress.
Meanwhile, over 50 members of the Ufharana Youth Development Empowerment Project (UFYDEP) have also embarked on a clean-up campaign in Dulibadzimu high density suburb.
UFYDEP chairperson Kudakwashe Garaipasi said the programme was part of their contribution in terms of health and sanitation matters.
Online Reporter