Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
CHIEF Maduna of Insiza District in Matabeleland South Province has implored the local community to shun corruption, saying this scourge has impacted negatively on the country’s economic growth and development.
He called on traditional leaders to stop concealing crimes occurring in their areas.
Addressing a community anti-stock theft engagement meeting at Avoca Cultural Centre, Chief Maduna warned that protecting law breakers undermines the justice system.
He emphasised the need for continuous community engagement to address issues affecting the community, including crime, corruption and gender-based violence.
He encouraged community members to work together with law enforcement agencies to make the community a safe place for everyone.
He urged his subjects to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigations and prosecution.
“Let’s cooperate with the police and complement their efforts, so that we develop our nation. Let’s all have zero tolerance to corruption in our communities and take a stand against robbery, theft, violence and abuse of women and children in our areas,” he said.
“Don’t envy another person’s property because that’s what causes evil acts such as theft and robbery. Instead, let each person work hard to attain their own wealth. Crime is robbing the country of a lot of resources and valuable time, which can be used to develop our nation.”
Chief Maduna said police are operating with limited resources and have a mammoth task of fighting crime.
He called for the establishment of more police bases in crime hotspot areas.
“There is a need for communities to facilitate the establishment of proper working space and accommodation for the police in their areas, to improve visible policing,” said Chief Maduna.
He raised concerns over rampant domestic violence and sexual abuse within communities.
“No man is allowed to beat up a woman and in the same manner no woman is allowed to beat up a man. We should not conceal offences of sexual abuse against women and children just to protect the perpetrators,” he said.
“To village heads, I am saying, if someone is sexually abused within your area and you don’t report the matter, you will be fined five goats. This is the regulation that I’m putting in place within this community.”
Chief Maduna urged community members to play an active role in protecting children and women against sexual abuse.
He expressed concern over community members that are taking the law into their own hands after apprehending suspects.
“While community members have a role to play in exposing culprits, they should not attack suspects. — @DubeMatutu
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