Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
COMMUNITIES have been commended for providing credible information that has led to the arrest of drug dealers, armed robbers, among other criminals.
National police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, reiterated the need for the community to work hand-in-hand with police in fighting crime.
He noted the effectiveness of the Crime Liaison Committee (CLC), Christian Community Police Network (CCPN) and Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) as well as the Neighbourhood Watch Committees.
“Community policing is a strategy that fosters collaboration between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the community to prevent and reduce crime,” said Comm Nyathi.
“It is a proactive approach which addresses the root cause of crime, making communities safer and more resilient.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s community policing philosophy entails that the police is a people’s police service and cannot effectively tackle crime without the involvement of the public.
“Community policing encourages positive interactions between police and residents, fostering trust and cooperation.
“Police work with the community to identify specific crime issues and develop targeted solutions and this has led to the arrest of a number of criminals who include armed robbers, drug dealers, rapists, car thieves, among others.
“Neighbours look out for each other, reporting suspicious activity and deterring potential crimes,” said Comm Nyathi.
He added:
“The Police has made significant progress in recent months in terms of arresting suspects involved in drug peddling and trafficking.
“Every month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police names and shames drug barons and suppliers arrested, convicted and sentenced by the Courts.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken significant steps to combat drug and substance abuse in the country.
“In March, police in Harare arrested three suspects in connection with unlawful possession of 3900 kilogrammes of dagga at a business premise along Citroen Road, Msasa.
“The police also recovered liquor at the company’s premises.”
Comm Nyathi said police from CID Drugs and Narcotics acted on a tip-off and arrested Shadreck Butiro, 38, for unlawful possession of dagga.
The suspect, who is a truck driver, was intercepted at Beitbridge Border Post and the truck was searched leading to the recovery of 31 kgs of dagga on the bed in the truck.
On the same date, Police in Harare arrested Felix Panganayi Mayiba, 32, for unlawful possession of dagga in Glen Norah B.
He said the CID Drugs and Narcotics in Mutare acted on a tip-off and recovered several veterinary medicines from a company, which was operating under a name, Chinosagrifeeds Pvt Ltd.
The company was operating without a licence along Herbert Chitepo Street in Mutare.
Comm Nyathi commended various churches partnering with the police.
“Christian Community Police Network is a collaborative initiative between the church and Police aimed at promoting community safety and reducing crime.
“This partnership leverages the moral authority of the church and the expertise of the police to foster a crime free environment for all.
“It helps to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and local communities through the church.
“To promote crime prevention and reduction strategies through joint initiatives and provide support, prayer and guidance to victims of crime,” said Comm Nyathi.
