By Ndumiso Tshuma
Bulawayo is facing a surge in crime, with thefts targeting council property and attacks on security personnel becoming increasingly common.
In response, the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has bolstered its municipal police force, introducing 173 newly trained officers in a bid to restore order and protect vital infrastructure.
The council has reported a notable rise in theft, particularly in council-run schools, as well as attacks on municipal staff. The most recent incident, in December, saw municipal officers at the Mzilikazi Housing Office targeted, leaving some injured and property stolen.
Speaking at a pass-out parade for the new recruits on Friday, BCC Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou highlighted the dangers faced by council employees.
“There has been a significant increase in crime across the city, and the council has not been spared. Our security personnel have been harmed, and we’ve recorded multiple thefts at municipal properties, especially schools,” Zhou said.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart outlined the challenges the city faces, describing the situation as a crisis of lawlessness. He pointed to issues in the informal sector, rampant vandalism, and theft of municipal property as key concerns.
“While Bulawayo is not known for violence, we are seeing widespread lawlessness. Theft and vandalism of municipal property, challenges in the informal sector, and littering are eroding the city’s image,” he said.
The council has now turned to its municipal police force to address the crisis, announcing an expansion to improve enforcement of by-laws.
Mayor Coltart called for legal reforms to give municipal police greater powers to address these issues effectively.
“We need stronger legal authority for our municipal police. Current processes for investigating and prosecuting crimes are too slow, limiting our ability to maintain law and order. Traffic chaos caused by informal taxis and the lack of revenue from municipal services are also compounding the problem,” he said.
The new municipal officers have undergone the first phase of training and are expected to play a critical role in tackling the crime wave. Mayor Coltart noted that improving law enforcement is essential to safeguarding the city’s assets and ensuring public safety.