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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE business community and residents in Gwanda have partnered police in building two police bases in the mining town as part of efforts to fight crime.
The two bases in Spitzkop North and Jacaranda suburbs were commissioned on Tuesday by acting officer commanding police in Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Peter Sibanda.
The facility in Spitzkop North was an initiative of the Gwanda Local Peace Committee to fight crime which is rampant in the area.
The committee engaged police, residents and members of the business community who mobilised resources to construct the police base.
In Jacaranda, residents came up with the initiative to construct a police base following a spike in crime.
They then engaged the Gwanda Municipality and police for the green light to embark on the project.
Residents and members of the business community mobilised resources to construct the police base.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Asst Comm Peter Sibanda said establishment of the two police bases is a reflection of community oriented policing which is crucial in the fight against crime.
“This is a reflection of community oriented policing. There is need for police to partner with the community and other stakeholders and vice versa so that we make progress in the fight against crime,” he said.
“In order for community policing to succeed there is need for police to consult with communities on matters of crime and security.
“Police should also respond to needs of communities in their diversities. We have the business community, old, young people, and people with disabilities among other groups. All these groups of people have their different needs.”
Asst Comm Sibanda said there is also a need for police and community to come together to resolve recurring problems.
He said Vision 2030 is only attainable if there is peace in the communities. Asst Comm Sibanda said crime is counterproductive.
Asst Comm said it is the duty of every citizen in the country to fight crime.
“The value of poverty is reduced when there is so much crime and this affects the economy. I would like to urge community members to be forthcoming with information on criminals.
These criminals are members of the community and if you expose them you will be contributing significantly to the success of the fight against crime,” he said.
“I would also like to urge the municipality to improve lighting around the town as this will help to reduce crime.”
Speaking during the same event, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Abedinico Ncube said the fight against crime needs collaborative effort.
He lauded the community of Gwanda for embracing the partnership. Minister Ncube said there is a need for more similar partnerships.
“The work which we are seeing here today is a sign that residents are taking heed to the call to work with the police in fighting crime. Let’s not leave all the work to the police because crime affects the entire community,” said Minister Ncube.
“If as a community we take a stand and show that we don’t support crime then criminals will see that they don’t have a place in our society and we would have conquered them.”@DubeMatutu
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter