Police, residents unite to curb holiday delinquency

POLICE in Bulawayo have intensified collaboration with residents in several suburbs as part of a coordinated strategy to curb crime and enhance community safety during the Easter holiday period.

From the leafy suburbs of Hillside to high density areas such as Njube, Nketa and Cowdray Park, residents are working closely with law enforcement agencies to guard against a potential increase in criminal activity commonly associated with holiday seasons.

The collaborative approach comes as police have rolled out heightened security measures countrywide during the Easter break and the Independence Day celebrations, periods that traditionally see increased population movement and heightened social activity.

Commissioner General of Police Stephen Mutamba said police are not only intensifying their operations but are also strengthening partnerships with communities as a key pillar of crime prevention.

“As the school first term concludes and the nation braces for the 2026 Easter and Independence Day celebrations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands ready to ensure that peace prevails throughout the country,” he said.

Commissioner-General Mutamba said that beyond routine deployments, police have scaled up patrols, strengthened neighbourhood watch programmes and deepened community engagement initiatives to foster safer residential environments.

Bulawayo residents have responded positively to the initiative.

In Queens Park West, neighbourhood watch committee member Mr Sipho Moyo described the partnership with the police as timely and empowering.

“We have seen how crime can rise during holidays when people are away or distracted. This time, we are not leaving everything to the police. We are working together, patrolling our streets, sharing information and looking out for each other,” he said.

Mr Moyo said residents have organised patrol rosters and are using mobile communication platforms to alert one another to suspicious movements.

“This collaboration gives us confidence. Criminals thrive where there is silence and fear, but now there is unity,” he said.

In Nketa, similar sentiments were echoed by Mr Charles Phiri, who said the strengthened relationship between police and the community was already yielding positive results.

“We recently had a meeting with police officers who encouraged us to revive our neighbourhood watch structures. Since then, we have been more alert, especially at night. People are now more willing to report crimes or suspicious activities because they feel heard and supported.”

In Hillside, where residents have long maintained organised neighbourhood associations, committee member Mr Reginald Shoko said the Easter period had prompted renewed vigilance.

“We are increasing patrols and making sure that houses left unattended are monitored. We are also advising residents to avoid sharing travel plans publicly, as that can attract criminals,” he said.

Mr Shoko said the visibility of police patrols has boosted community confidence.

“You can already see more police vehicles moving around, especially in the evenings. It sends a strong message that law enforcement is active and alert,” he said.

Commissioner General Mutamba said such partnerships were critical in complementing police efforts.

He also urged parents, guardians and school authorities to prioritise the safety of children during the holiday period.

“The ZRP therefore urges parents, guardians and school authorities to prioritise the safety and well-being of learners as they move from one point to another throughout the holidays. Parents and guardians should ensure that children are protected from abuse, exploitation and exposure to drug and substance abuse,” he said.

Police have also put in place comprehensive security measures for public gatherings expected during the Easter and Independence celebrations.

Motorists were also urged to exercise caution, with Commissioner General Mutamba calling on drivers to comply fully with road traffic regulations.

He warned that unregistered vehicles, including those without number plates, will not be tolerated, adding that operations targeting such offences will be intensified.

Drivers were further cautioned against dangerous practices such as overloading, speeding, reckless overtaking, driving against the flow of traffic and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Members of the public were also discouraged from using illegal transport operators, commonly known as “mushikashika”.