Bulawayo police, in collaboration with the Bulawayo Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe and various church denominations, launched the Smart City Surveillance System on Tuesday, aimed at reducing criminal activities in the Central Business District (CBD). The event kicked off with a march from Drill Hall to City Hall.
Speaking at the launch, Officer commanding Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Commissioner, Dr Wiklef Makamache, highlighted the importance of the police-church partnership and the CCTV project, which is sponsored by the Business Against Crime Forum and Safeguard Security.
He emphasised the police’s commitment to community service through these initiatives.
National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, expressed optimism that the new surveillance system would help eradicate crime in Bulawayo.
“What is happening in Bulawayo today is a milestone. We now have the concept of smart policing and a smart city being embraced. From what we have seen today, this will now become a thing of the past,” Nyathi said, referring to the ongoing criminal issues in the CBD.
“I want to assure not only the people of Bulawayo but also anyone visiting the Bulawayo CBD that any form of criminality or misdemeanor will now be actively monitored from the control centre, and the police will respond.”
Nyathi added that the CCTV system would be particularly effective in reducing vehicle-related crimes.
“This includes tracking vehicles involved in criminal activities or causing chaos. We call upon all stakeholders, including the media, to inform the people of Zimbabwe that Bulawayo’s CBD is now a no-go area for criminal acts,” he said.
The national police spokesperson also highlighted the partnership with the church community, expressing hope that other cities would adopt a similar approach.
“We have seen unity of purpose and a common vision in fighting crime in Bulawayo, which will help the country continue to enjoy peace and stability,” Nyathi added.
Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, emphasized the importance of the CCTV launch in assisting the police to apprehend criminals.
““This is very effective, and if you think of it, this is the way to go as a country or as a province. It may be new to us, but it has always been happening in other developed countries. I am so happy that Bulawayo is the first province to have this type of system, which will help us eradicate crime in Bulawayo province,” said Minister Ncube.
