adminAbel Zhakata Senior Reporter
INCOMING Officer Commanding Manicaland Police Senior Assistant Commissioner James Nyakotyo, has promised to step up the onslaught against crimes in the mining sector and the continued smuggling of second-hand clothes to plug loopholes that are prejudicing the country of millions of dollars in lost revenue. Deputy Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has singled out revenue losses as a result of illegal diamond activities as a cause for concern.
Speaking during a handover/takeover ceremony held at the Main Camp in Mutare on Wednesday in which Snr Asst Comm Nyakotyo replaced Snr Asst Comm Moses Magandi to lead police in the province, DCG Matanga underscored the need by the new provincial boss to fight against smuggling of precious minerals out of the country.
“I urge you to tirelessly work towards achieving the goals envisaged by this year’s policing theme which says: ‘ZRP creating a conducive environment for economic growth and empowerment’, particularly by curtailing the illicit trade and smuggling of minerals, especially diamonds, which are depriving treasury of valuable revenue,” he said.
In his acceptance speech as the new officer commanding police in the province, Snr Asst Comm Nyakotyo said the police would intensify its fight against smuggling and illegal activities in the mining sector.
He said the force would fire from all cylinders and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure a crime-free society.
“As Team Manicaland we will continue to judiciously exploit our material and human resources in support of the Zim-Asset agenda.
“We will continue to deploy and ensure that peace and tranquillity prevail in Manicaland Province. The business of fighting crime is not for the police alone and for that reason I promise that I will continue to engage you to make this province a better place,” he said.
Snr Asst Comm Magandi, who has been posted to the Police General Headquarters in Harare, said cross-border crimes, particularly the smuggling of second-hand clothes was an on-going menace in the province.
“The police and other security forces cannot afford to surrender and have worked round the clock to deal with the criminal elements. Notable arrests were made and hundreds of smuggled items that included second hand clothes were recovered and perpetrators brought to book,” he said.
The outgoing police chief said communities played a pivotal role in combating crime in the province.
“We needed the input of the communities for both information and resources. I am glad to mention that a lot of good arrests and property recoveries were made possible as a result of the information that we got from members of the community,’’ he said.
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