Online Reporter
Nothando Zondo @[email protected]
KEEPING communities safe is often seen as the responsibility of the police. But crime is not defeated by the police alone. It takes cooperation between residents, community leaders, businesses and law enforcement. When people share information, report suspicious activities and work together, criminals find it much harder to operate.
This was the message that emerged strongly at Nkankezi in Ward 16, Umzingwane District, last Tuesday, when senior officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) met more than 240 villagers during a Press and Crime Awareness Campaign organised by the Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) Press and Public Relations Department.
The gathering brought together villagers, community leaders and police officers from various specialised units to discuss some of the major issues affecting local communities, including stock theft, drug and substance abuse, corruption, domestic violence and public service delivery.
More importantly, it gave residents an opportunity to engage directly with senior police officers, ask questions and raise concerns affecting their communities.
The delegation was led by Assistant Commissioner Blessmore Chishaka, Senior Staff Officer Press and Public Relations, and Assistant Commissioner Matildah Singende, National Victim Friendly Unit Coordinator. They were accompanied by Superintendent Artwel Maduva, Acting Staff Officer National Anti-Stock Theft Unit, as well as representatives from the Drugs and Narcotics Unit, Operations and the Criminal Investigations Department.
Throughout the meeting, police officers encouraged villagers to become active partners in the fight against crime rather than passive observers.
One of the issues discussed was the need for members of the public to understand the structure of the police service and know where to report different types of cases. Officers explained that directing complaints to the appropriate department helps speed up investigations and allows cases to be handled more effectively.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Commissioner Cosmas Masepa, Officer Commanding Administration for Matabeleland South Province, urged residents not to remain silent when they receive poor service from police officers.
“If you are not satisfied with the assistance you receive from an attending officer, do not lose hope. Report the matter to senior officers. This helps improve service delivery and reduces opportunities for corruption within the Police Service,” he said.
He said public cooperation is critical in improving accountability within the police force and reassured villagers that senior officers are prepared to investigate complaints and take appropriate action where necessary.
The issue of drug and substance abuse also attracted considerable attention during the meeting.
Many communities across the country continue to grapple with the growing problem of drug abuse, particularly among young people. Parents, teachers and community leaders have repeatedly expressed concern about the increasing number of youths falling victim to dangerous substances that affect their health, education and future prospects.
Speaking on the issue, Detective Sergeant Calescent Foya warned that drug and substance abuse was causing serious harm to families and communities.
He also expressed concern over the use of unregulated skin-lightening creams, some of which contain hazardous chemicals that can have long-term health consequences.
“Drug and substance abuse is destroying lives and families. Some skin-lightening creams being used today contain hazardous chemicals that damage the skin and can have serious long-term health effects, particularly for women. Communities must remain vigilant and avoid products that endanger their health,” said Detective Sergeant Foya.
He encouraged parents, teachers and community leaders to pay attention to early warning signs among young people and seek help before experimentation turns into addiction.
Questions from villagers later showed that concerns around drugs and substance abuse remain widespread, particularly as communities seek ways to protect young people from becoming trapped in destructive habits.
Stock theft, another issue of major concern in Matabeleland South, also featured prominently during the discussions.
For many families in the province, cattle represent much more than livestock. They are a source of income, a store of wealth and an important part of rural livelihoods. The theft of even a few animals can wipe out years of hard work and investment.
Responding to questions from villagers, Superintendent Artwel Maduva explained some of the measures being implemented by the National Anti-Stock Theft Unit to combat the crime.
Adding to the discussion, Assistant Commissioner Masepa reminded livestock owners about restrictions governing the movement of cattle within the province.
“No person is permitted to transport live cattle or cattle carcasses for slaughter after 1800 hours. These restrictions are meant to help the police monitor livestock movements and prevent stock theft, which remains a major concern in the province,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to brand their livestock, maintain accurate records and report any suspicious movements of animals to the police without delay.
The meeting also highlighted another often-overlooked issue: the need to carefully vet people before employing them as herdsmen.
According to Assistant Commissioner Masepa, some individuals who have committed crimes elsewhere seek jobs in rural communities where they can easily gain trust and access to livestock.
“Communities must verify the background of anyone they intend to appoint as a herdsman. Some individuals escape after committing crimes and seek positions of trust elsewhere. The police are available to assist with background checks to ensure that criminals do not infiltrate our communities and endanger people’s lives and property,” he said.
His advice appeared to resonate with many villagers, particularly livestock owners who depend on hired herdsmen to look after their animals.
The campaign also highlighted the important role that businesses and residents’ associations can play in preventing crime.
Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe Filabusi Chapter chairperson Mr Douglas Hungwe said local businesses remained committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to improve security in trading centres and along major roads.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Mr Sindiso Sibanda, Chairperson for Liaison and Crime in Filabusi, who pledged support from residents in spreading crime prevention information throughout local communities.
“When police and the community speak with one voice, criminals have nowhere to hide,” he said.
The campaign forms part of the ZRP’s ongoing community policing programme, which seeks to build stronger relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
Beyond the formal presentations, villagers had an opportunity to engage directly with officers, ask individual questions and seek guidance on matters affecting their families and communities. Police officers also distributed pamphlets containing information on domestic violence reporting, stock theft prevention, drug and substance abuse, and emergency contact numbers.
For many residents, the event was not just another awareness campaign. It was an opportunity to have direct access to senior officers, voice their concerns and receive information that could help them better protect their families, property and livelihoods.
As the meeting drew to a close, one message stood out above all others: fighting crime is a shared responsibility.
The police can investigate offences and arrest suspects, but communities remain the first line of defence. When residents remain vigilant, share information and work closely with law enforcement agencies, safer communities become possible.
The ZRP says similar campaigns will continue across Matabeleland South as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community policing and improve public confidence in the police service.
For the people of Nkankezi, the gathering was a reminder that crime prevention starts with awareness, cooperation and trust. When communities and police work together, criminals find fewer places to hide and law-abiding citizens are better able to live and work in peace.
