marble nkomoThupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has relaunched its Client Service Charter in Beitbridge, with police and community stakeholders strengthening collaboration to combat stock theft and other organised crimes affecting the border district.
The relaunch, recently held at Lutumba Business Centre, comes as authorities intensify efforts to protect livestock, one of the district’s major economic pillars.
Beitbridge has an estimated 200 000 cattle, 150 000 goats, 90 000 sheep and 40 000 donkeys, making livestock production a critical source of livelihood and economic activity.
Police say much of this livestock remains vulnerable to organised theft syndicates operating locally and across borders, with criminal networks linked to Gwanda, Mwenezi, Chiredzi, as well as neighbouring South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
Speaking during the event, Officer Commanding Police in Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, said the district had also recorded worrying incidents of armed robbery and drug trafficking.
“With the help of community members, Business Against Stock Theft, the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe and the District Crime Liaison Committee, we recorded a decline in stock theft cases during the first quarter compared to the same period last year,” he said.
Chief Supt Ncube said 16 stock theft cases were recorded during the first quarter last year, compared to six cases during the same period this year.
He urged farmers to brand livestock, apply earmarks, pen animals securely and report theft cases without delay.
“We are relaunching this Client Service Charter at a time when the district has recorded several cases of armed robberies and criminals moving around robbing people at business centres and residential areas,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
“It is also disturbing to note that cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse and stock theft have been rampant. May I take this opportunity to warn criminals that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.”
Police recorded 13 robbery cases between January and March this year, up from 11 during the same period last year.
Chief Supt Ncube described the Client Service Charter as a renewed pledge by police to strengthen trust and responsiveness.
“It is a reaffirmation of what the ZRP stands for and pledges the police’s collective and undivided attention to pursue the needs and aspirations of our people and visitors. Our shared security depends not only on individual vigilance, but on everyone’s determination,” he said.
Chief Supt Ncube described the Client Service Charter as a renewed pledge by police to strengthen trust and responsiveness.
“It is a reaffirmation of what the ZRP stands for and pledges the police’s collective and undivided attention to pursue the needs and aspirations of the people and visitors. Our shared security depends not only on individual vigilance, but on everyone’s determination,” he said.
Chief Supt Ncube said the initiative supports national efforts under Vision 2030 by promoting a secure environment for economic growth.
Local traditional leader, Chief Matibe, called on communities to support police through information sharing and resource mobilisation.
Chairman of Business Against Stock Theft Mr Maxwell Ngwenya said the relaunch marked an important step in strengthening anti-crime partnerships.
“We are committed to working with the ZRP to reduce stock theft and create a safer environment for our businesses to thrive. I urge all stakeholders to support this initiative and join forces with the police to tackle this scourge,” he said.
Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe chairperson Dr Felix Venge said the development reflected a stronger collaborative crime prevention model.
“We are delighted to witness the relaunch of the Police Client Service Charter in Beitbridge. This marks a significant shift towards a more collaborative approach to crime prevention,” he said.
Beitbridge Rural District Council chairman, Councillor Oscar Chiromo, urged businesses and communities to help establish police bases at key business centres to improve security and attract investment.
District Crime Liaison Committee chairperson Mr Albert Muleya said stronger trust between police and communities was critical in addressing crime hotspots.
“We’re committed to working with the ZRP to address crime hotspots and support initiatives that promote community safety,” he said.
Mr Muleya said a renewed partnership is expected to bolster rural security, protect livestock wealth and reinforce investor confidence in the district.
Bongani Ndlovu