adminMasvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO province recorded a six percent drop in crime statistics in 2014 compared to the previous year due to increased police patrols and surveillance, a senior official said.
Addressing officers during a belated end of year party in Masvingo, Commissioner Solomon Mubatapasango applauded the police in the province for discharging their duties diligently and demonstrating vigilance against criminals.
The party also saw 15 officers walking away with prizes ranging from deep freezers, bicycles and motorcycles for excelling in their various lines of duty.
“I would like to applaud the province for their efforts in combating crime. Indeed such hard work has culminated in general reduction of crime by six percent.
“The number of cases recorded in 2014 was 18,314 compared to 19, 430 cases recorded the same period in the previous year,” said Comm Mubatapasango.
“Let me encourage you to continue with such level of commitment and dedication to duty in an endeavour to curb crime.”
The top cop attributed the reduction in cases of crime to police operations that were carried in the province.
“It’s noteworthy to state that a total of 44 operations were carried out at provincial, district and station levels. The operations were particularly focusing on anti-sexual violence, stock theft as well as murder. I’m pleased to note that the province employed vibrant strategies, which were aimed at taming the tide of criminality in 2014,” he said.
Comm Mubatapasango, however, expressed concern over the increase in cases of rape involving mostly juveniles, and called upon police to be vigilant and ensure children were protected.
He also bemoaned the continued flouting of road traffic laws and regulations by motorists.
“Equally disturbing is the continuous flouting of traffic laws and regulations by motorists and commuter omnibus drivers. There has been a 10 percent increase in road accidents in our roads with most accidents occurring along Masvingo-Beitbridge Road, Tanganda-Ngundu and Harare-Masvingo Highway. The accidents continue to claim lives of innocent and precious lives,” he said.
Masvingo province recorded 1,974 accidents and 31 deaths in 2014 compared to 1,802 and 25 deaths in the previous year.
The police boss also bemoaned the increase in the number of drowning cases in the year under review and called for intensive awareness campaigns on drowning especially during rainy season.
“The province recorded 107 cases of drowning in 2014 compared to 85 in the previous year. The figure does not present a good picture in our efforts as police to avoid loss of life through flooding. At this point in time I urge you to carry out awareness campaigns and also work with civil protection teams in combating flooding,” he added.
Comm Mubatapasango warned police officers against being involved in corrupt activities saying the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) does not condone the cancerous vice.
“It should be etched in your minds that ZRP does not brook or condone corruption, hence those caught engaging in such unethical practice shall be arrested, prosecuted and discharged from the organisation,” he added.
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