Patrick Chitumba [email protected]
MURDER cases in the Midlands Province increased by 25 percent between January and October this year, despite a decline in overall reported crime, raising concern over the persistence of violent offences in the province.
A total of 154 murder cases were recorded during the 10 months, compared to 123 during the same period last year, representing an increase of 31 cases, according to statistics presented by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube.
In contrast, overall reported criminal cases declined from 10 899 to 10 651, a reduction of 248 cases.
Minister Ncube presented the figures during the Quarterly and Annual Awards for Excellence in Policing held in Gweru recently, where he called for stronger crime prevention measures and more effective investigations, particularly in cases involving murder and gender-based violence.
He said the increase in killings was concerning despite improvements in several other crime categories.
Other offences recorded declines, with rape cases falling from 467 to 437, while unlawful entry and theft dropped from 3 326 to 2 996. Theft of motor vehicle components also declined from 616 to 509 cases.
Robbery cases, however, increased slightly from 68 to 69.
“The overall decline in reported crime has been attributed to intensified police operations.
We urge officers to step up efforts to address murder, gender-based violence and other serious offences. Policing is not only about catching criminals; it is also about building trust,” said Minister Ncube.
He emphasised the importance of professionalism, integrity and respect for human rights, warning that corruption within the police service undermines public confidence and weakens efforts to combat crime.
“We call for improved crime prevention strategies, crime-scene management, intelligence gathering and evidence-based investigations to ensure that perpetrators are brought before the courts,” he said.
The minister cited the work of detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Kwekwe as an example of sustained investigations leading to the arrest of wanted suspects.
The detectives received recognition for tracking down a suspect who had allegedly fled following the killing of Learnmore Gombakamba in Mbizo 14, Kwekwe, on September 11 last year.
The court heard that Gombakamba was allegedly stabbed to death by four men. Three suspects were initially arrested in Chiwundura, while the fourth fled.
According to the awards citation, detectives later traced the outstanding suspect to Nhidza
Village under Chief Sai in Gokwe, where he was arrested following a night surveillance operation.
The suspect reportedly emerged from his bedroom armed with an axe and a spear and charged towards the officers before being overpowered and arrested.
All four suspects have since been brought before the courts, with the matter awaiting trial at the High Court.
Minister Ncube also commended the Midlands provincial police command for its efforts to combat serious crime, dismantle drug bases and apprehend wanted suspects.
He said Government was supporting policing through the acquisition of patrol vehicles, the introduction of modern technologies, improved police training and the construction and rehabilitation of police stations.
Minister Ncube urged officers to reject corruption and uphold honesty, discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
A total of 44 police officers drawn from Kwekwe, Gokwe, Gweru Urban, Gweru Rural and
Zvishavane received awards for outstanding performance in crime prevention, investigation and detection.
The increase in murders comes amid concerns over violent crime associated with illegal mining activities in parts of the Midlands.
Bulawayo High Court judge on circuit in Gweru, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi, has previously expressed concern over killings linked to illegal mining disputes and gang violence, particularly in Shurugwi, Kwekwe, Mberengwa, Mvuma and Zvishavane.
The judge said machete gangs and violent conflicts among artisanal miners were contributing to serious insecurity in mining communities, with nearly half of the murder cases before the High Court reportedly linked to illegal mining disputes and gang violence.
