By Chantelle Muanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Beitbridge District on Wednesday launched the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN), a programme aimed at strengthening cooperation between law enforcement and churches in the fight against crime.
The launch follows a training workshop held on Tuesday, where 76 church leaders from across Beitbridge District were trained on community policing and crime prevention.
Speaking at the launch, Officer Commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, said the programme seeks to harness the shared values of the church and police to build trust and safer communities.
“The aim of this programme is to harness our shared values and build trust in the communities we serve. As police, we cannot fight crime alone. We need the involvement of every sector of society, including the church,” said Chief Supt Ncube.
He said criminals should not expect to use religious institutions as shields for their unlawful activities.
“Committing crime and hiding behind the church must come to an end. Those who commit crimes can be found anywhere in the business community, in the church and even among police officers. That is why, as the ZRP, we are trying by all means to collaborate with the community to fight crime,” he said.
In a light-hearted moment that drew laughter from delegates, Chief Supt Ncube jokingly remarked that church leaders would now play a more active role in assisting law enforcement.
“Do not be surprised to see a pastor preaching while holding a Bible in one hand and handcuffs in the other. They are now assisting us in the fight against crime in the church,” he said.
Chief Supt Ncube expressed concern over the increasing involvement of young people in criminal activities, particularly drug and substance abuse.
He revealed that police continue to record significant successes in combating drug trafficking in the border district.
“Just yesterday, we recovered approximately 400 kilogrammes of dagga that was being smuggled across the Limpopo river into Beitbridge,” he said.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network after the launch, District Interim Chairperson of the Christian Community Police Network, Reverend Denford Makwetse, welcomed the partnership between the church and law enforcement agencies.
“As church leaders, we fight against what we call sin, while the police fight against what they call crime. In many cases these two things are closely linked. Therefore, involving us in this initiative is a great development because it allows us to work together towards transforming lives and building peaceful communities,” said Rev Makwetse.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Bishop Mandlenkosi Sibanda of Dunamis Fire Ministries International, said the training had equipped church leaders with valuable knowledge that would help them identify and address criminal activities within their congregations and communities.
“This programme is timely because the church interacts with people daily. We are often the first to notice when someone is going astray or facing challenges. Through this partnership, we can help guide people away from crime, encourage them to seek help and work closely with the police to protect our communities,” said Bishop Sibanda.
The launch of the CCPN marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between law enforcement agencies and faith-based organisations in Beitbridge, with authorities hopeful that the initiative will help reduce crime, combat drug abuse and promote community safety across the district.