By Ndumiso Tshuma
Lochview suburb in Bulawayo is currently experiencing a high rate of thefts, causing residents sleepless nights and constant fear of break-ins.
The Macdonald Bricks police post has received numerous reports of stolen cars, cellphones, laptops, furniture, and even livestock.
“I’m even afraid to dry my clothes outside after washing,” says Lochview resident Sthabilisile Chifamba, whose clothes were stolen on Wednesday, last week, at midday.
Residents have filed repeated complaints and reports, but they feel police response is slow and lacks urgency.
Further fuelling distrust, another resident Sammuel Soko said, “I caught one of our neighbourhood watch members in my house at night, trying to steal my car battery! He escaped in his uniform, leaving me shaken and questioning their reliability.”
A single mother Jessica Ncube recounted a terrifying experience: “Four armed men stormed my house, ordered my family of four to lie down, and stole four cell phones, the living room TV, a laptop, and $300 cash from my purse.”
Thabani Moyo, another Lochview resident, emphasised the need for community action: “We can’t rely solely on the police. We need to discuss and implement effective safety measures amongst ourselves to protect our homes.”
Hillside police station Officer In Charge Chief Inspector Precious Simango acknowledged the “ongoing battle against crime” in the suburb and announced plans to establish a neighbourhood watch patrol unit in the suburb within the next three months.
