Online Reporter
Peter Matika
A SPIKE in gun-related crimes across the country has sparked a public outcry and renewed calls for tougher policing — including suggestions for a shoot-to-kill policy to restore peace and security.
Community leaders say the surge in armed robberies and violent attacks has left residents living in fear, urging police to shift from reactive to proactive policing.
Council for Churches in Africa president, Bishop Dr Rocky Moyo, warned that if the situation is not swiftly contained, it could spiral out of control.
“Police must work with communities and act before it’s too late. The rise in gun crimes is bad for headlines, bad for business, and bad for bedtime,” he said.
Dr Moyo said while some citizens were calling for a shoot-to-kill policy, its effectiveness and humanity remain questionable, especially with elections looming.
“Look at South Africa — it started like this. If we don’t act, we’ll face the same infiltration of violence and drugs,” he said.
He also revealed that the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) has opened community reporting channels for suspicious activities, urging residents to work hand-in-hand with police.
Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson, Winos Dube, echoed the same sentiment, saying effective policing depends on trust and partnership.
“Police must not only be seen as enforcers but as partners in safety. When there’s transparency and dialogue, communities share better intelligence and help prevent crime,” said Dube.
He urged authorities to address root causes of violence through collaboration with social services, schools, and mental health organisations, adding that officers must be trained to handle complex situations, including mental health crises.
The renewed calls come after a string of violent cases — including a Bulawayo home invasion where robbers made off with US$11 000, and the fatal shooting of a police officer in Sanyati on Sunday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said police are responding decisively to violent crime.
“People cannot expect police to sit back while criminals take aim. Every situation is responded to accordingly,” he said.
Comm Nyathi dismissed claims that ex-security officers are behind some robberies.
“Whether they wore uniform or not, if they commit crimes, they are criminals. We have zero tolerance for crime,” he said.
He said proactive policing was now a national priority — the key to restoring calm and public confidence.
