Volunteer cops graduate

neighbourhood watch members at Magwegwe Youth Centre in Bulawayo on Saturday, Chief Supt Matange said the scheme had contributed immensely to the protection of lives and property in the city.
The neighbourhood watch graduates were drawn from five stations in Nkulumane District – Magwegwe, Luveve, Tshabalala, Pumula and Nkulumane.
“This is a significant event as it signifies unity against crime. Members of the neighbourhood watch have joined hands with the police and are working tirelessly to prevent crime and protect not only their property but also property belonging to non-members and the business people at large,” said Chief Supt Matange.
“Owing to the contribution of the neighbourhood watch in curbing crime in Nkulumane District, we have managed to reduce crime by seven percent from 10 378 cases in 2010 to 9 635 in 2011.”
Supt Matange said crimes recorded include unlawful entry, theft, assault, murder, rape, stock theft, robbery and domestic violence cases.
He said the neighbourhood watch members within the communities represented mini charge offices and kept criminals away.
“Criminals find it risky to commit crimes when they know that members of the neighbourhood watch are present. I would like to thank these members of the community who have voluntarily devoted their time to work with the police.
“The neighbourhood watch members arrested 3 450 accused persons and managed to recover property worth $2 520. One outstanding arrest of a murderer and robber was made by two members from Magwegwe in April 2011 and led to the recovery of property worth $590,” said Chief Supt Matange.
He said police in Nkulumane District could not, on their own, adequately cover the area which covers about 187 square kilometres.
“The already active members and those who have graduated today will go a long way in complementing police efforts to curb crime.
“Currently the district has 252 active neighbourhood watch members. It is my hope that the graduating members will augment the effort of the current members,” said Chief Supt Matange.
He however bemoaned the shortage of resources for the neighbourhood watch scheme and called upon the community and businesses to assist.
“The scheme requires that members of neighbourhood watch have their own distinguishable uniforms agreed upon in their respective communities in liaison with the police.
“I would like to appeal to community leaders and businesspeople to put their minds together and avail handcuffs, uniforms, baton-sticks, whistles and notebooks, to mention just but a few resources needed by these devoted men and women in our communities,” said Supt Matange.
Speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, police spokesperson for Bulawayo Province Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said the neighbourhood watch scheme was one of the various initiatives introduced by the police to curb crime.
“This is one of the numerous initiatives we have come up with to curb crime. Among them is the Junior Call Programme where pupils are made to join clubs coordinated by the police, learn the laws of the country and abide by them.
“They also learn disaster mitigation strategies that include avoiding crossing flooded rivers, swimming without supervision and how to react to physical and sexual abuse. We have also come up with the crime consultative and business against crime committees to curb crime,” said Insp Moyo.
He appealed to members of the public to support the initiatives and create a crime-free community.