Police warn public on spate of crimes

Police in Masvingo have urged members of the public to report incidents of robbery and theft directly to law enforcement authorities following the circulation of social media messages warning of an alleged increase in violent crime in parts of the city.

The alerts, which have been widely shared on WhatsApp, claim that a gang of four armed men has been targeting motorists, passengers and pedestrians around the Mususu area in Rujeko C and along Great Zimbabwe Road near Masvingo Polytechnic.

According to the messages, the suspects allegedly pose as legitimate transport customers at Masvingo Polytechnic before robbing drivers and passengers during journeys. The alerts further allege that pedestrians using the route after 7pm have also been targeted.

"We have received disturbing reports of robbery and rape cases occurring near Mususu area in Rujeko and Masvingo Poly, along Great Zimbabwe Road.

"Four armed robbers are posing as genuine customers needing transport at Masvingo Poly. Once they get a ride, they rob the driver and passengers along the way. They are also targeting pedestrians walking at that area from around 1900 hours," part of the message reads.

Commenting on the circulating reports, Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa said while community awareness efforts are important, crime victims and witnesses should prioritise reporting incidents to the police before sharing information on social media.

"The awareness message is okay, but we encourage people to report such issues to the police first," said Insp Dhewa.

He said prompt reporting enables police to respond effectively and begin investigations without delays.

"People or victims of any robbery or theft should report to the police first before social media, as this helps us to do our work. Sometimes social media messages may reach us later," he said.

Insp Dhewa added that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has modern investigative capabilities to combat crime but stressed that these can only be fully utilised when incidents are officially reported.

"The police are capacitated with advanced technological methods to curb crime. Therefore, people should not incapacitate the police and deny themselves justice by failing to make official reports, as we cannot always monitor social media platforms," he said.

He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the evening hours, and to take appropriate precautions when travelling through isolated areas.

Police have urged anyone who falls victim to crime or witnesses suspicious activities to immediately report the matter at the nearest police station to facilitate investigations and assist in bringing offenders to justice.

Authorities say cooperation between communities and law enforcement remains essential in preventing crime and improving public safety across the province.