Ronald Mpofu in Plumtree
POLICE in Plumtree have enlisted churches in the fight against crime, drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence and cross-border criminal activities through the launch of the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN).
Launched at Dingumuzi Stadium last Thursday as part of a nationwide exercise, the initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation between the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), churches and local communities in preventing crime and promoting safer neighbourhoods.
Speaking at the launch, officer commanding police in Bulilima and Mangwe districts Chief Superintendent Cabinet Thomas said the network would complement police efforts by leveraging the influence of churches to promote moral values, discourage criminal behaviour and support the rehabilitation of offenders.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police recognises the church as a vital partner in promoting peace, moral values, rehabilitation and community safety. Our aim here is to avoid crime, so that no criminal records can be recorded,” he said.
Chief Supt Thomas said policing had increasingly shifted towards crime prevention and community participation, adding that police could not effectively combat crime without the support of local communities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police cannot win the fight against crime alone. Modern policing the world over has moved from reactive policing to proactive, community-based policing,” he said.
He said the CCPN would complement existing community policing structures, including Community Relations Liaison Committees and Neighbourhood Watch Committees.
Chief Supt Thomas said stock theft remained a concern in Bulilima and Mangwe districts, threatening farmers’ livelihoods.
He also expressed concern over unlawful entry, theft and assaults linked to alcohol and drug abuse, particularly the use of crystal meth, locally known as mutoriro or guka.
The police were further concerned about gender-based violence, rape, child marriages and domestic violence, some of which remain hidden until victims seek assistance through church counselling services.
“We are deeply concerned by the rise in gender-based violence and child marriages, rape and domestic violence cases which are often hidden and only revealed in church counselling sessions,” said Chief Supt Thomas.
He said Plumtree’s proximity to the border exposed the town to additional policing challenges, including drug trafficking, smuggling and human trafficking.
Chief Supt Thomas urged churches to use their influence to discourage criminal behaviour and help offenders reform, emphasising that law enforcement alone could not address the underlying causes of crime.
“As police, we arrest, but arrest alone does not change the heart of a criminal. That is where you come in, men and women of God,” he said.
He called on church leaders to make crime prevention an integral part of their preaching and community outreach programmes.
“Let your pulpits become platforms for peace. Speak against drug abuse, speak against GBV, speak against stock theft and speak against corruption,” he said.
Chief Supt Thomas also urged churches to share information that could assist police investigations while respecting the confidentiality of pastoral counselling.
“We expect you to be our eyes and ears. Information is the lifeblood of policing and we urge the church to share information on criminals who hide among congregants, while respecting pastoral confidentiality,” he said.
He further urged people in possession of unregistered or illegally acquired firearms to surrender them under the ongoing firearms amnesty.
President Mnangagwa recently extended the amnesty from October 12 to November 12, 2026, allowing individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station without being questioned.
The amnesty comes amid police concerns over armed robberies and the potential dangers posed by firearms in unauthorised hands.
The launch was attended by Chief Wasi, Mangwe District Development Coordinator Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, Plumtree Prison officer-in-charge Superintendent Edward Phiri, ZRP district chaplain for Bulilima and Mangwe Assistant Inspector Shallet Nekati, CCPN training officer Bishop Dr Matthew Malimu Zulu, pastors, immigration officials and residents.
The launch was held under the theme, “ZRP Pursuing Innovative Policing for Safe Communities”.
