admin
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
Police in Mashonaland East have warned tobacco farmers to be on the look out for robbers on the way to the floors and also after being paid.
Police are also worried about the seasonal jump in domestic violence when couples fight over how they should spend their tobacco funds.
This has led to increasing patrols and visibility around tobacco floors and also embark on awareness campaigns at these floors.
“We are here to advise you that it is not proper to share your monetary transactions with strangers, as robbers and thieves are very clever such that they will take advantage of that and rob you of your hard earned cash,” deputy police spokesperson for Mashonaland East Province Assistant Inspector Misheck Denhere said while addressing farmers at Voedsel Tobacco floors in Marondera this week.
“Some of you want everyone to know that you have money; some also want to walk or travel with large amounts of cash. This attracts robbers and they will leave you with nothing. So do not do that.
“We are also advising you to transport your tobacco during the day. This reduces your chances of being robbed. And also make sure that the vehicles that you hire are roadworthy. This will avoid unnecessary breakdowns along the road.
“We also receive increased reports of domestic violence, whereby some of the farmers when they get money, they spend a lot of days away from home, spending that money without their wives and family. So we are encouraging men to spend and plan with their wives to avoid disputes.”
Acting provincial floor manager for Voedsel Mr Andrew Muponzwa called for the framers to guard jealously their tobacco and desist from activities that attract thieves.
He commended the police for their awareness campaigns and promised to work closely with the law enforcement agents to protect farmers.
“Thank you ZRP for visiting our floors and educating our farmers. The messages that you send to us will guide our farmers and ensure they protect their valuables,” he said.
Meanwhile, tobacco farmers contracted by Voedsel Tobacco thanked the organisation for the inputs and fair prices.
“This is my second year under contract with Voedsel,” said Ms Ever Nyamajele. “I am happy that they are giving us inputs on time and also buys the produce with good money. I am happy that the organisation also allows the police to give us security here and also some tips to ensure we protect our valuables,”
Another farmer, Mr Amon Nyamajele, said with farming, one was guaranteed to earn a decent income.
“I am into tobacco farming and this is my life,” he said. “I thank Government for giving us opportunities to do agricultural activities in our country. I am earning a good income from farming and my family is happy.
“I want to urge others to seriously take farming as a business.
“Let us support our Government through farming. I want to also thank Voedsel for the inputs and their good buying price. I am happy. I call upon other farmers to be faithful to our contractors.”
Online Reporter