NEW: Chipinge business community unites against armed robbers

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

 

STUNG by a spate of armed robberies in recent months, the Chipinge business community has come together to form the Chipinge Business Community Against Crime committee whose immediate task is to raise funds to buy a vehicle for security surveillance works.

Primarily, the committee is spearheading mobilisation of resources to help law enforcers in fighting armed robbers.

The committee chairman, Mr Godwill Mlambo said: “We met as the business community with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and District Development Coordinator to deliberate on the rising insecurity affecting Chipinge urban businessmen who are being robbed of their hard earned cash.

“One of the main challenges raised affecting our security organisation was lack of transport to fully provide the services. So we resolved to fundraise towards the purchase of a vehicle that will be donated to ZRP Chipinge for that purpose.”

At total of US$4 510 had been raised early this week.

“By end of yesterday, a total of US$4 510 cash was collected (door to door collections voluntarily done for only four days). A reputable law firm offered to provide legal services and all documentation required to make this process transparent and fully accountable.

“One Motor Spares shop offered to provide full service kit to a personal vehicle currently being used to provide services by the police. Some corporates and individuals have made pledges to pay for this good cause. So we are still waiting to receive the cash.

“Modalities on how the vehicle will be used are being worked on with inputs from both the donors and recipient. Our target is to reach at least US$7 000 so that we get a better condition pick-up or double cab truck,” reads part of the update shared in the Chipinge Business Community Against Crime WahtsApp group.

Chipinge has experienced a rise in cases of armed robberies targeting business operators and only recently six armed robbers vanished with cash amounting to US$20 965 and 18 750 Rand after attacking security guards, a truck driver and a cashier at a Delta Beverages depot in the south eastern border farming town.