Thieves wreck havoc eNkulumane

NKULUMANE residents are unable to rest in their homes due to an upsurge of break -ins taking place in the suburb, with some cheeky thieves even stealing property during day time.

Residents are concerned by how their neighbours are reporting theft cases, almost daily alluding this to an increase in thieves.

In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Nkulumane residents said almost every day, some woke up to find their home burgled and property gone.

Some residents indicated that the Presidential amnesty granted last year also contributed to the number of theft cases because the released convicts had nothing to do and resorted to stealing.

"This is coupled by the high rate of unemployment in the country surely, something must be done," said Elizabeth Mguni.

Another resident, Hlengiwe Ngwenya said she was robbed during the daytime, as thieves broke into her home, ordered her to keep quiet or else they would kill her and took her property.

"I was watching while they took my property. I still shake when I recall the incident," she narrated.

Another incident in the suburb also occurred during the day but it happened when the owners of the house were away.

The robbers "swallowed" almost everything movable within the house, said the residents.

Residents complained that when they reported these cases to the police, they delayed in coming or if they made phone calls, they were asked to come in person.

"One time, when thieves entered my yard at night they first opened a tap outside so that one can go outside to check on it leaving the house unlocked where they take the chance to pounce inside but since I had already heard about this tactic, I immediately called the police who told to come in person at Nkulumane Police Station," narrated Lucy Kunene.

Ward 5 Nkulumane Councillor, Rodney Jele, said council was aware of these theft cases and expressed sadness that robbers were also targeting schoolchildren.

"We know of several cases where school children, going or coming from school have reported that their satchels were stolen by these thieves," he said.

Jele wondered whether these thefts were committed by the same group or different individuals.

"It is hard to tell because, its always cars and house property that is stolen. We don't know whether it's the same thieves doing this but it is worrying that these cases are on the increase," he said.

The councillor said he once had a meeting with the police at Bullet area in Nkulumane to discuss possible solutions.

"The police said they were short staffed and sometimes found it difficult to effectively rush to the scene of the crime. They suggested that residents should form a neighbourhood watch team," Jele said.

Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson Mandlenkosi Moyo said  he was unaware of the matter but would check on it.