By Patience Gondo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Beitbridge has called for a community engagement meeting on December 3 in reaction to recent increases in robberies and related crimes in the border town, particularly in Wards 4 and 5.
The meeting, scheduled for the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe from 10am to 12pm.
It ms at strengthened cooperation between residents and law enforcement agents in an effort to arrest crime unsetting communities in recent weeks.
According to police, the engagement will provide a platform for officers to share safety tips, crime-prevention advice and awareness messages with residents.
ZRP officials say they hope the dialogue will empower community members to better protect themselves while also improving the flow of information to the police.
One of the key issues to be discussed is the low rate of anonymous reporting, which police say continues to hinder investigations as some residents with critical information fear coming forward.
Officers are expected to share confidential reporting mechanisms and encourage residents to alert authorities whenever suspicious activities occur.
ZRP Beitbridge said the meeting will also gather community views on how best residents and law enforcement can work together to safeguard homes, businesses and personal property from armed robbers who have been targeting the district.
All residents from Wards 4 and 5 have been invited, along with church leaders, resident associations, flea market representatives, clearing agents, councillors, neighbourhood watch committees, schools, business operators and small-scale entrepreneurs.
ZRP Beitbridge urged community members to attend in large numbers, saying that coordinated action remains vital in stopping the criminals behind the recent attacks.
In the past however some residents have asked police why they have not responded when residents asked them for plans of police posts they would expect residents build them.
Beitbridge Police have been offered several stands for police posts to increase heir presence in the community but hese are still open spaces.
Residents are also worried about reaction time during incidences.
For further inquiries, residents may contact C/Insp Ndlovu (0772301429), Sgt Manjonjo (0773906771), A/Insp Shambare (0778827464), Sgt Maposa (0777820554), Chaplain Kamwendo (0777686060) or Pastor B. Moyo (0773026292).