Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana, [email protected]
POLICE and community leaders from across Matabeleland North converged in Lupane last week for a two-day workshop and the launch of the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN), a move aimed at strengthening collaborative crime prevention efforts in the province.
The initiative seeks to bridge long-standing gaps between the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and faith-based institutions by fostering trust, cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing crime and social challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Officer Commanding Police in Matabeleland North, Commissioner Jealous Nyabasa, Assistant Commissioner Richard Mbedzi said the network recognises that effective policing goes beyond law enforcement.
“Policing is not just about enforcing laws, but about serving and protecting our communities,” said Comm Nyabasa.
He said the CCPN, which is founded on Christian values of love, compassion and service, brings together the police and church leaders in a spirit of mutual respect to promote understanding, build trust and provide support to vulnerable members of society.
“The Christian Community Police Network embodies these values and creates a platform where the police and the church can work together to strengthen community cohesion and enhance public safety,” he said.
During the workshop, pastors who successfully completed training to serve as CCPN members were awarded certificates, formalising their role in supporting community policing initiatives.
The event culminated in a procession involving police officers, pastors and community members, symbolising a collective commitment to crime prevention and community engagement.
The CCPN adds to a growing list of innovative policing partnerships being implemented across the country. In Zvishavane, local businesses recently partnered with the ZRP to hand over a police apartment and dog kennels to enhance operational capacity, particularly during high-crime periods such as the festive season.
In Bulawayo, the Business Against Crime Forum and Neighbourhood Watch Committees continue to work closely with the police to patrol suburbs and educate residents on crime prevention. The Smart City Surveillance System, a partnership involving the police, businesses and churches, has also been introduced to enhance monitoring of criminal activity in the central business district through CCTV and other technological tools.
Meanwhile, in rural districts such as Beitbridge, co-operation between police and community members has led to the dismantling of cattle rustling syndicates, highlighting the importance of public participation in safeguarding livelihoods.
These initiatives reflect a broader shift by the ZRP towards community-based policing, uniting faith groups, businesses, residents and traditional leaders in building safer and more resilient communities.
