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POLICE in Mashonaland West province have called for concerted efforts to reduce crime in the province after the crime rate shot up by about 27 percent last year.
In her address at the relaunch of the provincial client service charter at Pfupajena Stadium in Chegutu recently, Officer Commanding Mashonaland West province Senior Assistant Commissioner Felistas Chikowero-Mjanga said the increase was worrying.
“The annual crime rate has surged in Mashonaland West as last year we recorded 38 133 cases against 30 132 in 2017, giving us a 8 007 difference translating to a 27 percent increase. This means we have a mammoth task ahead of us in curbing crime as Mash-Best province,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Chikowero-Mjanga said while the overall crime rate increased in Mashonaland West province, rape cases had declined following a fruitful engagement with traditional leaders, councillors and legislators.
Rape cases, she said, dropped by 26 percent last year compared to 2017.
“Let us teach each other that crimes like rape should be strictly reported to the police and avoid out of court settlements as in most cases they leave the girl child vulnerable and a victim of circumstances. Those that facilitate such arrangements will also face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
Snr Asst Comm Chikowero-Mjanga said girls should not be left alone in the company of male figures, including relatives, as statistics have shown that most of them are raped by relatives.
Of major concern, she said, was the rise in armed robbery cases involving the use of machetes and guns. She said the involvement of all citizens was key in the reduction of such cases.
At least 737 cases were recorded last year compared to 515 cases in 2017, translating to a 43 percent increase.
Domestic violence cases increased by 21 percent.
Snr Asst Comm Chikowero-Mjanga said police had managed to arrest armed robbers that terrorised people in Chegutu.
She urged people not to keep their money in their homes but to deposit it in banks.
Business Against Crime Consultative Forum of Zimbabwe, Mashonaland West chapter chairman Mr Prosper Mtongerwa said the business community should help to capacitate police who did not have the necessarry resources such as vehicles.
“I want to encourage my fellow members to follow what other provinces like Harare and Bulawayo are doing in mobilising resources to assist the police in fighting crime,” he said.
Online Reporter