‘Public synergy key to fighting crime’

Sunday Mail Reporters

EXISTING synergies between the public and law-enforcement agents have significantly assisted in busting criminal syndicates, Police Commissioner-General Godiwn Matanga has said.

Speaking at the Commissioner-General Funfair at the Mkushi Police Camp in Harare yesterday, Comm-Gen Matanga reaffirmed police’s commitment to engage the public in combating crime.

“I wish to applaud the existing synergy between the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and communities we serve. Indeed, through this solid partnership and shared information, we have been able to account for numerous criminals and also break criminal syndicates that were terrorising our neighbourhoods.

“I, therefore, urge you all to continue playing such an honourable role in ridding our societies of crime,” he said.

Comm-Gen Matanga said the ZRP will continue to engage with communities to cement relations between the two parties, through events such as the annual funfair.

“This is an annual gathering which provides the much-needed space and platform for our police officers to unwind from the rigours of a demanding policing career. Indeed, social interactions such as these are essential for maintaining the desired equilibrium between work and personal life. This, without doubt, is a key ingredient for mental well-being.

“Furthermore, through such engagements, members of the public are able to shed layers of negative perceptions about law- enforcement agents as they get to meet them face-to-face. As we sing, dance, eat and drink together, it becomes increasingly evident that, as members of society, we are equal partners in the fight against crime.”

He said some of the ZRP’s community policing initiatives include neighbourhood watch committees, business against crime forums, crime liaison committees and the junior call.

“More importantly, the Commissioner-General’s Funfair has over the years been the lifeblood and hope for many nearly shattered dreams. In our small way, we have been able to extend a benevolent hand by paying schools fees for orphaned and disadvantaged children from primary school up to tertiary institutions.

“We remain alive to the fact that ridding a society of criminality also means playing an active role in carving model citizens through education, among other empowerment initiatives,” he said.

Comm-Gen Matanga said as Interpol celebrates its 100 years, it was an opportune time to reflect and learn from setbacks.