Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A SENIOR police officer has apologised to the Budiriro community for the force’s failures in the past but says the residents will see an efficient and professional force going forward.
There has been a wave of arrests of land barons and drug dealers and the demolition of a drug base, which was being used as a brothel, in the area.
Among those arrested is Berlington Mtanga, who is being accused of profiting from the illegal allocation of residential stands on wetlands.
Two suspected drug dealers, operating at Current Shopping Centre, are in custody, pending trial. Chief Superintendent Maxwell Majojo, the district commander, apologised for past shortcomings and urged residents to work with the police to tackle crime.
“We acknowledge that we have not always been the police service you deserved.
“There have been failures — misconduct and lethargy.
“We ask for your forgiveness and we ask for your trust, not as a blank cheque, but as a partnership we will earn one interaction, one case, one day at a time,” he said.
Majojo said the relaunch of the Police Client Service Charter by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba on January 30, has set a new direction for the service, reinforced at provincial level by Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru.
“We have come deliberately to your doorstep because this is where policing must live — here, among the people,” he said.
Residents say they hope the recent actions are the start of sustained enforcement against illegal land allocation and drug activity in the area.
Joseph Munyonho, chairperson of the Harare South District Community Liaison Committee and a representative of Harare South residents, commended the police for acting on long-standing community concerns.
“Today, we are proud to see sanity at Current Shopping Centre, which has become a death trap for our youth because of prostitution and drug dealing,” Munyonho said.
“Police visibility and these arrests have restored our confidence in the force.”
Mathew Masinge