Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
POLICE in Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, have established a base in West Nicholson — an area notorious for stock theft targeting local farmers — in a bid to enhance police response and improve crime detection rates.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving farmers, the business community and law enforcement agencies, aimed at reducing incidents of stock theft and other crimes.
Construction of the Todds Police Base began on April 30, 2024, with the goal of strengthening efforts to combat crime — particularly cattle rustling — in the region. Cattle rustling has long been a persistent issue across the country, causing sleepless nights for farmers and hindering the growth of the national herd.
In response, the police have intensified operations against cattle rustling through the establishment of new police posts and increased patrols.
Speaking at the official commissioning ceremony, Officer Commanding Police in Matabeleland South, Commissioner Stephen Kazingizi, emphasised the strategic importance of the new base.
“The establishment of Todds Police Base comes at a critical time when the ZRP is tasked with creating a safe and secure environment across all 14 national priority areas outlined in the National Development Strategy 1, as Zimbabwe strives towards Vision 2030,” he said.
Commissioner Kazingizi highlighted that the creation of the base is a testament to strong police-community relations.
“This is a concrete example of good police-public relations. I am confident that peace and security cannot be achieved by police alone but require a concerted community effort,” he said.
He further explained that the base aligns with national aspirations for a peaceful Zimbabwe and was conceived in response to ongoing stock theft and agriculture-related crimes in the West Nicholson area, which predominantly affect livestock farmers.
The commissioner called on community members to actively participate in crime prevention initiatives such as crime liaison committees, the Business Against Crime Forum, neighbourhood watch programmes, and village anti-stock theft committees.
He emphasised that the new facility would enhance police response times and improve detection rates.
“As law enforcement, we will work to ensure peace and security as you pursue your livelihoods. Effective policing depends on the goodwill and co-operation of the entire community, from whom we derive our legitimacy,” he said.
The Todds Police Base will also house the Veterinary Services Department, creating a one-stop shop that simplifies stock clearance procedures for farmers. Commissioner Kazingizi urged police and veterinary officials to collaborate closely to combat stock theft effectively.
He underscored that stock theft threatens the primary income source for many communities and hampers Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030. The police will continue engaging with local communities, partners, and government to improve infrastructure and human resource capacity.
During the event, Mr Thabani Sibanda, Chairperson of the West Nicholson Crime Liaison Committee, noted that livestock security is a collective responsibility.
“The community recognises that safeguarding livestock is not just the police’s role but a shared duty. We will support the police by providing resources and joining patrols,” he said.
Gwanda-Tshitaudze Constituency Member of Parliament, Cde Fisani Moyo, commended both police and farmers for their unity in addressing crime.
“I applaud the farmers for responding positively to police efforts. The new police base will significantly reduce crime in this area. I urge all community members to be proactive and play their part in the fight against crime,” he stated.
Bongani Ndlovu