Police, residents join forces in fight against crime

POLICE in Bulawayo launched an anti-crime campaign in partnership with members of the public and stakeholders in the city.

Bulawayo has witnessed a surge in crime in recent times, and the aim of the partnership is to introduce initiatives that would deter criminals and increase security in the community.

The partnership seeks to create and promote the Crime Liaison Committee (CLC), comprising both civilians and police.

The CLC will discuss criminal activities, develop solutions and strategies to combat crime.

Additionally, the committee will introduce neighbourhood watch programmes, conduct safety workshops and have targeted patrols in high-crime areas.

The initiative aims to ensure that streets are safer, with residents playing active roles in the fight against crime.

CLC chairperson, Mr Arnold Mahonye, said the aim of the committee is to complement efforts by police in fighting crime. Simultaneously, police will work closely with the community to gather intelligence.

“As civilians, we are mostly on the ground witnessing a lot of incidents. The committee meets regularly to discuss recent criminal activity, brainstorm solutions and come up with innovative strategies to prevent future crimes,” he said.

“We share valuable insights and expertise, while residents offer a unique perspective on how the crimes are affecting our daily lives.

“The committee also works closely with local businesses to improve security measures and prevent thefts,” he said.

Mr Mahonye said if endorsed by members of the public, the efforts will result in a decline in crime in Bulawayo.

He said the committee is open to anyone and members will be delegated to roles, each representing a different sector of the community.

“The mission is clear; we want to create a network of communication and collaboration that will serve as the first line of defence against crime. We will soon be hosting more neighbourhood patrols, crime prevention workshops and a dedicated hotline for reporting suspicious activity will also be set up.

“The real success of the initiative is not just in numbers, but in the new-found sense of community that will blossom in the wake of the Crime Liaison Committee. Residents must no longer feel like mere bystanders in the fight against crime.

“They must be active participants, united in their determination to keep their city safe,” said Mr Mahonye.

The officer-in-charge of Bulawayo Central Police Station, Chief Inspector Siphilisiwe Mhlanga, said they recognised that traditional methods alone were insufficient to stem the tide of criminal activities.

“As police, we understood that to truly make a difference, we needed to forge a bond with the community, harnessing their collective strength and resources.

“This initiative will truly make a difference in the fight against crime. We want the success stories of this committee to inspire other towns and cities,” she said.

“We want to see other towns and cities following suit. Police departments across the country must emulate this plan and reach out to residents to form similar partnerships.

“The Crime Liaison Committee is a shining example of what can be achieved when law enforcement and the community work together towards a common goal.”

Chief Insp Mhlanga said the CLC will not only champion the fight against crime, but also strengthen the bond between law enforcement and members of the public.

“We cannot fight crime alone. We need the help of every single resident in this city to keep our streets safe. That is why we are launching the Crime Liaison Committee, a platform for us to work together to identify, report, and combat crime at all levels,” she said.

She said the committee will not only target high-level crimes, but also crimes considered insignificant.

“A crime is a crime, no matter how big or small. We want our city to be a safe and peaceful destination that will also attract tourism as well as investment,” she said.