Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
AN initiative by the police of setting up community policing committees is yielding results in some parts of the Midlands Province after a number of arrests were made for various crimes.
Midlands Police embarked on the programme to formulate area crime committees within the communities in a bid to curb cases of housebreaking, armed robberies and rape amongst other crimes that have been on the rise.
To complement those efforts, the police also criminalised possession of dangerous weapons like knobkerries, machetes, axes and spears amongst others.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said:
“Community patrol teams are in place to boost area patrols accompanied by police officers.
“These efforts have helped to suppress crime when compared to previous periods despite the rise in population and other militating factors.”
He said the formation of social media groups has helped information to travel faster.
“As a result of efficient movement of communication, a number of arrests have been made.
“Of particular mention is the arrest of one Prince Dube aged 27 on March 11.
“He cleared five cases of housebreaking and theft in Mutautsia Park and Randolph Park suburbs.
“On May 11, two notorious armed robbery gangs who had been committing crimes in Gweru and Kwekwe were arrested and cleared about 22 cases,” said Inspector Mahoko.
The first group comprised Tapiwanashe Sibanda (26), Trust Moyo (26), Sydney Mapende (23), Samuel Murisi (21) and Daison Manzebe (21).
All members of the second group live in Gweru but used to commit their crimes in Kwekwe.
Inspector Mahoko said the platforms are also being used to supply information about anti-social activities also being done against Covid-19 regulations as well as supplying information on illegal vending and shebeens.
“Members of the public who have been contributing in the realisation of these successes in policing are greatly applauded.
“We call upon those sitting on the fence to join the band wagon in fighting crime,” said Inspector Mahoko.
While he mentioned Senga in Gweru as a success story, Inspector Mahoko said plans were in place to ensure that committees are set up in almost every suburb across the province.
Online Reporter