‘Embrace community policing’

Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter

POLICE in Matabeleland North have implored members of the public to embrace community policing as part of complementing their efforts in fighting crime and protecting lives and property.

Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said crime can be overcome if police work together with the community at all levels.

He was speaking at the Victoria Falls Agricultural Show on Saturday where Zimbabwe Republic Police was voted best exhibitor in the security category and overall winner for the display.

The ZRP displays fascinated hundreds of Victoria Falls residents who thronged Chinotimba Stadium for 6th edition of the expo.

For the better part of the day, the police stand attracted a lot of people who marvelled at the displays and knowledge displayed at the information desk.

Police on bikes and two sniffer dogs, which demonstrated how they sniff and hunt for criminals were the crowd pullers.

For their efforts the ZRP won US$1 000 from the show organisers.

Insp Banda said such activities are meant to promote relations between the police and the community

“Police are not only there to arrest. We are working hand in hand with various stakeholders including the business community and members of public to combat crime and we call upon people to embrace community policing where we have programme of patrolling around and taking care of property as part of our community policing,” he said.

Lately, the country has been recording a surge in cases of burglary and armed robberies. 

In Victoria Falls members of the public work with police to protect tourists through tourism police, a section of ZRP comprising police and members of the public.

“Yes, criminal activities are there which is why we always work with members of the community especially through the neighbourhood watch committee. We also exhibit at public events where we interact with people and raise awareness about the need to abide by the law,” said Insp Banda.

“We want to appeal to our beloved citizens to embrace community policing as this has proven to be the best way of enhancing relationship between us as police and the community. People should report cases or any suspicions and they can do so by contacting police stations or using various methods like suggestion boxes.”

Insp Banda commended other stakeholders for complementing their efforts in combating crime. — @ncubeleon