By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
POLICE in Gwanda have launched a campaign to raise community awareness about crime, in a bid to fight criminal activities in the district. The campaign immediately attracted the support of 14 village heads under Chief Mathema.
Among the focus of the campaign were child marriages and drug and substance abuse. Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, said police were determined to strengthen co-operation with all stakeholders towards the achievement of a society free of drug and substances abuse.
Among some of the laws the police were using to combat drug and substance abuse included the Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act.
Drug abuse is a growing public health and security problem in Zimbabwe, particularly among the youths. To this end, police efforts were targeting mainly the youths, who Inspector Dube said were “going out of track”.
“We visited Simbumbumbu Village and its secondary school, where two awareness campaigns were conducted. In attendance were a total of 200 villagers from Ward 7 and 14 village heads with senior village head Malaki Ncube. “
The other campaign was led by the provincial Victim Friendly Unit co-ordinator, Assistant Inspector Jonah Gondo, who educated the audience on the position of the law regarding child marriages.
He denounced child marriages and early pregnancies as he encouraged people to report cases of rape as quickly as possible to ensure that victims are assisted holistically both medically and legally.
Said Ass. Insp. Gondo: “As police, we urge members of the community to shun domestic violence as it disturbs unity and the general family fabric. You are advised to solve differences amicably rather than resorting to violence.
“Domestic violence may degenerate into murder, hence it must be condemned. In this regard, we encourage men to report any gender-based violence they may face. The VFU values confidentiality and non-discrimination and the section is found at all stations.” Concerning murder cases, villagers were encouraged to respect life and avoid carrying dangerous weapons in public places while men were encouraged to share with others whenever they have issues that need to be addressed to avoid committing suicide.
Issues on drugs and substance abuse were extensively discussed and the police emphasised that they would not hesitate to arrest all suppliers of drugs and ensure that the law took its course.
The awareness campaign also addressed stocktheft during which farmers were encouraged to pen their cattle on a daily basis. They were also encouraged to brand their cattle and to report cases of stock theft immediately.
Detective Constable Luckman Sigodho addressed the gathering on the types of drugs commonly found around province, namely cannabis (dagga), Broncleer cough syrup, crystal methamphetamine, sex enhancers, body enhancers, skin lightening creams.
In particular, he addressed the causes, effects and consequences of drug and substances abuse. Community policing is a strategy where police partners with community members to reduce and prevent crime.
This involves various initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch Committees, Crime Consultative Committees, and the Home Officer Scheme. In undertaking these community crime awareness campaigns, the ZRP aims to create a safer environment through working with the community to identify and address local safety concerns.
The provincial police spokesperson also said there was need for the community and the police to work together in fighting crime across the province and urged members of the public to join the neighbourhood watch committees, become part of crime liaison committees, while making use of suggestion boxes to pass information to the police.
At the secondary school Inspector Dube explained the requirements when one wants to become a police officer and explained in detail the benefits of becoming one. These, she explained, included a good salary, free accommodation, good chances of upgrading education, free uniforms among others.
School children were encouraged to be disciplined and avoid using drugs. The campaign bears testimony to police commitment to stopping drug and substance abuse, domestic violence, cattle rustling, and early child marriages.
New Ziana
