POLICE in Bulawayo have praised residents for joining hands with them to combat crime in the city.
The remarks were made by the officer commanding Bulawayo province Commissioner Wiklef Makamache who congratulated the Hillside community for complementing their effects in fighting crime.
Makamache was officiating at the commissioning of a patrol vehicle at Whitestone and Mqabuko Heights in Hillside on Friday last week.Approximately 746 households contributed to the acquisition of the twin cab vehicle which will be used to patrol the area.
“I am highly spirited to tell you that the police acknowledges and appreciates the continued support and commitment by communities in fighting corruption,” said Makamache.“Since... 1980, we have been making remarkable strides in pursuing the philosophy of policing by popular participation, this rebranding policy has yielded a shifting from a coercive force to the current community-oriented participation.
“In the context of this gathering, Whitestone and Mqabuko Heights carry testimony of the concept. They heard the call and rose to the occasion.”The Whitestone and Mqabuko Heights Neighbourhood Watch Committee was initiated in January 2022.
Although crime has decreased by 10,44% in the area since 2021, it still tops the list together with Cowdray Park on household robberies.“As you go about your individual duties, don’t hesitate to give tips to the police on offenders like drug peddlers, among others. I would be in the clouds if all the police districts and communities here present could emulate this enviable initiative. With corporation between the police and individuals in the community, the future looks bright,” Makamache added.
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Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said pressure would be exerted on those who broke the law in 2024.He said police would crack down on people selling pirated books on the streets which infringes on copyright laws.