Proton donates truck to police

Victor Maphosa Mash East Bureau

AS part of its corporate social responsibility, Proton Bakers, has given a vehicle to police in Marondera, its home town, a gesture that is aimed at increasing mobility and visibility for law enforcement officers as they execute their mandate and ensure a crime-free society.

The hand over ceremony of the Toyota Lite Ace was done at Marondera Central at an event which was attended by senior police officers from the province as well as the business community in Marondera.

Handing over the donation to capacitate the police, Mr Daniel Chipato, Proton Bakers chief sales officer, said his organisation has seen it important to contribute to the security operations in Marondera.

“We are ever committed and proud to playing our part in enhancing security operations for our society for the betterment of the business and social operating environment.

“The society is facing challenges of criminals who are using technology and high-powered vehicles to commit crimes such as robberies and unlawful entry, among others. Marondera central is not an exception. We have lost lives in the recent past, including high profile business people through robberies. It’s indeed a sad development, and a bitter pill to swallow for our society.

“It is against this background that Proton Bakers, a flagship brand in the province decided to donate a brand new vehicle to ZRP Marondera, as part of our corporate social responsibility. We appreciate that this is a drop in the ocean, but it’s the beginning of a great cause and I am sure the other members of the business community will emulate this noble cause.”

Mr Chipato implored the ZRP to put the vehicle to good use as they carry their policing duties.

“On behalf of Proton Bakers management, it is my hope that ZRP Marondera Central will put the vehicle into good use by attending scenes during investigations, patrols, among other police operations. Police mobility is key to the execution of their duties.

“We should, however, be realistic in our expectations. Unless our police are well equipped and have adequate resources, there is no hope that our communities will be peaceful and safe. I therefore appeal to other stakeholders to take the issue of security with the seriousness that it deserves. Other stakeholders should borrow a leaf from us by giving a hand to our Police station as a way of fighting crime.

“We need to enhance business performance and achieve the devolution targets set for us as a province by central government. A safe and secure environment is a major contributing factor in business hence this donation will go a long way in providing that environment. As Proton Bakers, our dream is to make Marondera a crime free zone that is conducive for investment,” Mr Chipato said.

In a speech read on her behalf by Officer Commanding Marondera Central, Chief Superintendent Peter Mthethwa, the Officer Commanding Mashonaland East, Commissioner Grace Ndou applauded the gesture by Proton Bakers adding that the vehicle will improve police operations in their fight against crime.

“Proton Bakers is indeed a true friend in the fight against crime. As ZRP, we enjoy good working relationships with different stakeholders and Proton Bakers is one of our all-weather friends.

“This is not the first time that they have supported us. In the quest to fight crime, they donated to us a consignment of road-block equipment comprising of drums and reflective cones. They have loaned us their truck on many occasions whenever we carry out mobile campaigns. We are so grateful to receive such a gesture.”

“However, as a province, we are worried about the increase in the number of serious cases such as murder, unlawful entry, theft, robberies, rape and domestic violence. Although crime is inevitable, I take pride in that we have managed to account for most perpetrators and brought them before the courts while recovering some valuable properties in the process,” she added.

Commissioner Ndou called for stakeholder participation and commitment so that crime rate in the district can be curbed.

The average crime rate in Marondera district currently stands at 826 cases and that of Marondera Central alone is 118. Prevalent crimes include unlawful entry, theft and assault.