By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Beitbridge Urban on Saturday relaunched its Client Service Charter amid growing concern over a surge in armed robbery cases targeting business centres and residential areas in the district the officer in charge of the station Inspector Moniwa Ndlovu, has said.
He made the remarks at Mashakada Business Centre where a ceremony of the relaunch was held.
He said the relaunch comes at a critical time when the district has witnessed an increase in criminal activities, particularly armed robberies carried out by criminals targeting residents and businesses.
“We are relaunching this Client Service Charter at a time when the station has recorded several cases of armed robberies, with criminals moving around robbing people at business centres and residential areas,” he said.
Ndlovu was also concerned about the rise in cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse, and domestic violence in the district, warning perpetrators that police would intensify efforts to bring offenders to justice.
“It is also disturbing to note that cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse and domestic violence have been rampant. May I take this opportunity to forewarn criminals that the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” he said.
He also acknowledged growing public dissatisfaction with police services, admitting that trust between law enforcement and the community had, in some cases, deteriorated.
“Let me hasten to mention that, as the commanding officer Beitbridge Urban, I am not blind to the murmurs of discontent and disapproval. I have heard the stories in the marketplaces, read the concerns in the newspapers, and felt the yearning for enhanced police service in my own community. The trust between the police and the public has, in some instances, deteriorated and I am very much aware,” he said.
He pledged to work towards restoring public confidence in the police service through improved engagement and service delivery.
Emphasising the importance of community participation in crime prevention, the officer urged residents to report suspicious activities.
“When you see something, say something,” he said, stressing that policing requires cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
“We need the community to fight crime and become effective in service delivery. We need to analyse crime together. Without information from the public, we cannot police in a vacuum and we will not be able to effectively combat crime,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe chairperson Morgan Seda encouraged business operators to strengthen security measures by investing in surveillance systems.
“Businesses should invest in CCTV cameras. Let us also make use of our banks and avoid keeping large sums of money in our homes. This charter is a two-way street,” said Seda.
Crime Liaison Committee chairperson Emmanuel Mazadza also called on wards to establish neighbourhood watch committees as part of efforts to curb criminal activities.
He urged residents to cooperate with such committees and provide vital information to police.
“We appeal to residents to give the police information and report crime so as to safeguard our lives and property,” said Mazadza.
The relaunch of the Client Service Charter is expected to strengthen relations between police and the community while promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in Beitbridge.