Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
CHITUNGWIZA’S Zengeza Ward 12 is grappling with a sharp rise in crime, prompting a decisive response from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Makoni Chitungwiza and local leadership.
At a well-attended community engagement last Saturday in Nyatsime, residents were presented with sobering statistics showing criminal cases in the Zengeza area have surged.
The meeting, spearheaded by ZRP Makoni and Zengeza Ward 12 Councillor Cde Virginia Nyarai Chisango, brought together hundreds of concerned residents.
Police officials highlighted an escalation in break-ins, drug-related offences, and child abuse, all of which have left the community feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Officer-in-Charge Brian Maonga of ZRP Makoni did not mince words:
“We are witnessing unprecedented levels of break-ins, with criminals becoming increasingly bold in their operations. The drug menace has created a breeding ground for criminal elements who prey on our communities whilst residents sleep.”
Maonga revealed that, during intelligence-gathering operations, specific drug hubs and bases within Ward 12 had been identified by name. “We know where these criminal elements operate from, and we shall be visiting them one by one,” he warned, signalling a new phase of targeted police action.
Drug Crisis: A Community in Peril
The drug problem in Zengeza Ward 12 mirrors a national crisis. Surveys show that 79% of Zimbabweans consider substance abuse widespread in their communities. In Chitungwiza, youth unemployment stands at a staggering 74%, fuelling a cycle where young people turn to drugs as a means of escape.
At Chitungwiza Central Hospital, 80% of drug-related psychiatric admissions involve youths aged 16-25.
Councillor Chisango, who has championed community safety since taking office, urged parents to be proactive:
“We must create environments where our children feel safe to confide in us about abuse, about peer pressure, about the challenges they face. Communication is our first line of defence against the drug menace.”
She added, “Every man is a potential abuser—we cannot be naive about this reality. But we must also acknowledge that young boys are increasingly falling victim to aggravated indecent assault at the hands of adult females. Our protection must be comprehensive.”
Building a Framework for Community-Police Collaboration
The meeting outlined a robust framework for community-police collaboration, building on the success of Crime Consultative Committees in other wards. The strategy focuses on:
– Intelligence Sharing: Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and share information about criminal elements.
– Neighbourhood Vigilance: Knowing one’s neighbours, including domestic workers and gardeners, is vital to prevent criminals from exploiting community trust.
– Youth Engagement: Programmes to educate and empower young people, steering them away from drugs and crime.
– Business Sector Cooperation: Bars and nightclubs must adhere to regulated hours, as these venues can become havens for criminals.
“Communities must know their neighbours intimately. The domestic workers, gardeners, and casual labourers in our midst—we must ensure criminal elements do not slip through our fingers by exploiting our trust and hospitality,” said OIC Maonga.
Break-ins: The Most Pressing Threat
Break-ins have become the most urgent concern for Ward 12 residents. Police attribute this to high youth unemployment, poor lighting in new developments like Nyatsime, and the activities of organised criminal networks.
“These are not opportunistic crimes,” Maonga cautioned. “We are dealing with organised elements who conduct surveillance, identify patterns, and strike when households are most vulnerable. This is why community vigilance becomes absolutely critical.”
A new police base at Chikwanha Shopping Centre, established through collaboration with the Zengeza Crime Liaison Committee and local businesses, is expected to improve police visibility and response times.
Child Protection: A Community Responsibility
Child abuse cases, often underreported, are a growing concern. The meeting emphasised that abuse can occur within trusted relationships, making parental vigilance and open communication essential.
“We must create safe spaces for disclosure. Children who suffer abuse often struggle to report it because they fear disbelief, blame, or retaliation. Our homes must become sanctuaries where truth can be spoken without fear,” said Councillor Chisango.
The engagement concluded with concrete commitments:
– Monthly Review Meetings: To assess progress and adapt strategies.
– Neighbourhood Watch Rosters: To ensure round-the-clock vigilance.
– Direct Communication Channels: Between residents and ZRP Makoni for rapid response.
“This is not a problem that police alone can solve. It requires every parent, every neighbour, every business owner to take ownership of community safety. We are providing the framework, but success depends on community commitment,” said OIC Maonga.
Clr Chisango announced plans for follow-up meetings in other parts of Ward 12, including Nyatsime, Zengeza 3 and Zengeza 3 extension, to tailor solutions to local needs.
As Nyatsime and the wider Ward 12 continue to grow, the weekend’s engagement marks a pivotal moment for building a safer, more resilient community. The named drug hubs will face systematic police action, with residents urged to continue sharing intelligence and supporting law enforcement efforts.
Online Reporter