Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
ILANDA residents have once again demonstrated the power of collective action after unveiling a fifth night patrol vehicle, reinforcing their partnership with police in the fight against crime.
The latest addition, a Honda Odyssey, was officially unveiled at the weekend and is expected to considerably boost neighbourhood patrols and rapid response efforts, particularly during weekends and the busy festive season when criminal activity typically spikes.
The vehicle brings to five the number of patrol cars acquired by the community under a sustained community policing model that has positioned Ilanda as one of Bulawayo’s leading examples of citizen-driven crime prevention.
Purchased a few weeks ago at a cost of US$4 000, the vehicle was funded through household contributions of US$50 each.
The handover ceremony, held at Tennyson Primary School in the suburb, was attended by various stakeholders, including members of the Sunninghill Neighbourhood Watch Committee, police officers from various stations across the city, representatives from Business Against Crime (BAC), community elders and residents.
Officer Commanding Police in Bulawayo, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, commended the residents for the initiative, describing it as a model of effective community policing.
“This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when communities take ownership of their safety and work hand in hand with the police,” said Comm Chizemo. “The acquisition of a fifth patrol vehicle is not just a milestone for Ilanda, but a shining example for other neighbourhoods to emulate.”
Comm Chizemo said community-supported mobility had played a crucial role in improving police visibility, reducing response times and strengthening trust between residents and law enforcement.
“This approach aligns with the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s broader community policing strategy, which places citizens at the centre of crime prevention,” he said. Comm Chizemo revealed that the Ilanda model had already generated interest from neighbouring suburbs, with several residents’ associations keen to replicate the initiative.
“Knowledge-sharing and collaboration between communities can significantly enhance safety across Bulawayo,” he said.
Comm Chizemo urged other neighbourhoods to adopt proactive crime-prevention strategies.
“When communities are organised, vigilant and supportive, criminals find no room to operate. I urge residents elsewhere to draw lessons from Ilanda’s experience and work closely with the police to create safer environments,” he said.
Residents’ representative, Mr Reginald Shoko, said the vehicle was procured through collective contributions and local fundraising initiatives, underlining a shared resolve to protect the neighbourhood.
“We realised that safety is a shared responsibility. By pooling our resources, we have empowered ourselves and strengthened our working relationship with the police,” he said.
Mr Shoko noted that Ilanda has recorded a noticeable decline in petty crimes such as house break-ins and vandalism over the years, attributing the improvement to coordinated night patrols and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
“The fifth vehicle will help us cover more ground and ensure that assistance reaches residents faster,” he said.
