Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
POLICE have launched community engagement campaigns in Bulilima and Mangwe districts in a bid to reduce crime rates, which have been on an upward trajectory in the two areas.
The campaign meetings have so far been held in Plumtree Town’s Ward 5, Matjinge, iZimnyama, Madlambudzi and Diba villages, with Ntunungwe and Dilankombe identified as the next target communities. The discussions focused on offences such as unlawful entry and theft, stock theft, gender based violence, child abuse, alcohol, drug and substance abuse, as well as weather-related hazards.
These campaigns have strengthened police operations, with officers receiving tip-offs on cases that might otherwise have gone unreported.
Speaking at a recent community engagement meeting in Diba Village, Plumtree Police Officer in Charge, Chief Inspector George Milisi, encouraged villagers to work closely with police through established community policing programmes.
“Do not bribe police officers on stock clearance, as it is a crime for both parties. I encourage you to be cautious of online job applications. I also warn you to be very careful when receiving large banknotes from strangers. Make sure the notes are genuine first before accepting them,” said Chief Insp Milisi.
Villagers were also urged to report all stray cattle to the police, as keeping them is an offence. They were further warned against crossing flooded rivers or sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.
A team of police officers from six departments attended the outreach campaign.
The departments represented were the Victim Friendly Unit, Community Relations Officer, Public Relations Officer, Anti Stock Theft Officer, District Public Relations Officer and the Officer in Charge. Also present were village heads Mr Patrick Nkomo and Mr Nicholas Nkabuli Ndlovu, Bulilima District Aids Co-ordinator Mr Ronald Hanyane, neighbourhood watch officials, local stakeholders and community members, the majority of them youths.
