Sunninghill residents buy neighbourhood patrol car

RESIDENTS from Bulawayo’s Sunninghill suburb have made a bold step towards improving security in their area acquiring a patrol vehicle, a Toyota Aqua Hybrid model worth US$7,000.

The vehicle was commissioned on Wednesday following successful community efforts, which saw each household contributing US$10 since February last year.

The unveiling ceremony was held at Hills Lodge along Gwanda Road and attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Sunninghill Neighbourhood Watch Committee, the police, business leaders against crime and the local community.

The programme ran under the theme: “Protecting You, Protecting Our Community” and was led by Superintendent Lameck John Nyamhunga, the Acting Officer Commanding for the Suburban District of Bulawayo province, as guest of honour.

He commended unity against crime and urged residents to work closely with the police to maintain peace and security in the neighbourhood.

“This success is a testimony to the reality of the results of unity. I, therefore, implore you to remain united as a community, continue co-operating with the police and scale more heights,” said Supt Nyamhunga.

He challenged police officers to be equally diligent in their line of duty, emphasising the need for resilience, discipline and commitment to public service. “Policing is a unique profession, which some describe as a calling. It requires a high level of resilience, discipline, ability to rise above one’s own emotions as well as resist temptation,” said Supt Nyamhunga. “During your operations, be ready to be insulted, humiliated, attacked or even be tempted. Resist all these hurdles, remain true to the cause.”

Chairman of the Sunninghill Neighbourhood Watch, Mr Clement Bishop Malaba, took the opportunity to share the journey that led to the acquisition of the patrol vehicle.

He explained that the initiative began in February 2023 when residents noticed a rise in criminal activity, including theft of infrastructure, unlawful entries into homes and street muggings.

As a result, the neighbourhood decided to take security into their own hands by establishing a neighbourhood watch team.

“Criminals were targeting our infrastructure and we needed to act. We formed a security team, and the goal was simple: to ensure the safety and well-being of every resident in this neighbourhood,” Mr Malaba said.

The success of the patrols led to the realisation that a dedicated patrol vehicle was necessary to ensure the safety of the area. Mr Malaba explained that the vehicle is more than just a set of wheels, it symbolises the residents’ commitment to protecting their community.

The initiative was also applauded by Chief Inspector Precious Simango, the officer in charge of the Hillside Police Station, who expressed gratitude for the support shown by the community.

“This is our fourth neighbourhood patrol car under Hillside Police Station and it’s encouraging to see how these initiatives are making a real difference. Just last week, we intercepted a group of criminals who had stolen valuable items worth more than US$5000,” she said.

“The vehicles we’ve received through community support have significantly improved our response times and our ability to combat crime.”