Matebeleland South crime rate drops

THE crime rate in Matabeleland South has dropped by seven percent during the period of April to June compared to the same period last year, a development which has been attributed to new policing strategies.

Speaking during a visit by Police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga to the province last week, acting officer commanding Matabeleland South Province Assistant Commissioner Clayman Mguquka said the province recorded 2 217 cases from April to June compared to 2 389 cases recorded last year.

He said robbery cases had dropped from 76 to 65, assault cases from 520 to 438 while plain theft cases had also dropped from 527 to 509.

However, stock theft cases increased from 246 to 258 and unlawful entry and theft cases increased from 405 to 414.

Asst Comm Mguquka said other cases comprising rape and murder among others had dropped from 615 to 533.

"We have implemented several strategies as part of efforts to fight crime in the province. In order to increase police visibility we recently launched the ZRP Matabeleland South Provincial patrol unit and traffic decongestion unit in Gwanda. The launch was then cascaded to all districts in the province.

"These initiatives have seen a reduction of crime. From April to June this year the province recorded 2 217 cases compared to the same period last year where the province recorded 2 389 cases. This reflects seven percent reduction. There is also an improvement in the flow of traffic in all three urban centres as a result of the decongestion unit," he said.

Asst Comm Mguquka said although the province was still recording isolated cases of murder and armed robbery it was evident that crime was on a downward trend.

He said in a bid to involve the community in fighting crime police recently introduced the Fight Against Crimes of Passion Committee. He said the committee brings together police and members of the public to fight against crimes of passion which have remained a menace in the province.

He said although this initiative was still in its infancy he was certain it would yield positive results.

"We remain focused and dedicated and look forward to bringing the crime rate to minimal level especially with the police patrol unit which has enhanced police visibility. The province is committed to executing expectations of the police force," he said.

The police recently raised a concern over a 10 percent increase in crime which had been recorded in Matabeleland South Province in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

Asst Comm Mguquka said 1 258 cases were recorded from the period January to March this year compared to 1 128 last year.
Meanwhile, speaking on his inaugural tour of Bulawayo Province since his assumption of duty as the police boss, Comm-Gen Mataga said police have  adopted zero tolerance to corruption.

"To this end let me remind you that justice is blind and as such the drive to wipe out this scourge will spare no one, be it a member of the public or a police officer. If there are any corrupt elements in our midst, then they must know that they are living on borrowed time," he said last week.

"Similarly, as the organisation tackles corruption within its rank and file all forms of indiscipline shall be dealt with decisively.

I shall not venture into itemising the acts of indiscipline that are on the rise in the organization. We all know the practices that frown in the face of our police code of conduct."

Comm-Gen Matanga said indiscipline impacts negatively on service delivery and should therefore not be tolerated and corrective measures would be taken upon those who wilfully violate the Police Act.

He encouraged officers to embrace the new work ethic and remain relevant under the new order where it is no longer policing as usual.