Fight against crime a shared effort: Matibiri

community, Police Deputy Commissioner-General (Operations) Innocent Matibiri has said.
Speaking at last week’s 2011 Cottco Station and Police Officer of the Year Awards ceremony in Harare, Dep Comm-Gen Matibiri said modern demands required greater determination when combating crime.
“Advancement in technology has spawned sophisticated criminal syndicates that call for police officers with sheer determination and unwavering commitment.”
He thanked Cottco for resolutely supporting the police force over the years.
Cottco IT manager, Mr Maynard Mundandishe, urged other businesses to assist police.
“The farming community and business entities rely on valuable services provided by the police. Concurrent support helps in deterring potential robbers, especially at buying points.
“The world is now a global village, where daring criminals move from one country to another, attacking unsuspecting victims.
“Consequently, the fight against crime should not be left in the hands of the police alone,” Mr Mundandishe said.
Twelve police officers and three police stations were honoured for their performance in 2010.
Detective Sergeant Shepherd Zvanamwe and Constable Learnmore Mbaimbai, both of Juliet Troop Support Unit, jointly scooped the Officer of the Year Award while Filabusi Police Station in Gwanda District scooped the Station of the Year Award.
The two police officers were given US$1 000 and certificates for arresting six poachers who had caused chaos in Mashonaland West.
They recovered ivory tusks, a 303 rifle and two shotguns.
Filabusi Station was commended for reducing the crime rate by 38 percent in its area of jurisdiction, and the crime detection rate stood at 69 percent.
They cleared 87 percent of reported cases.
Det Sgts Chikore, Hove, Machaya and Chakauya received the second prize of US$600 for apprehending Mozambican armed robbers who had committed a spate of armed robberies in and around Manicaland.
Det Sgts Chiweta, Masendeke, Nxumalo, Mutandwa and Binha; and Det Constables Mahlaka, Ndlovu and Murumani received the third prize and walked away with certificates and US$800.
The second and third prizes for police stations went to Chatsworth and Rimuka.