By Promise Dube
Bekezela residents association in Filabusi have partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to fight the surge in crime in the area.
According to the association’s chairperson Sindiso Sibanda, the rise in crime forced the community to partner with the police to form a neighbourhood watch committee.
“We do patrols at night and we have managed to apprehend some criminals. This is meant to reduce crime in our area,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda added that they also confiscate dangerous weapons from community members when they are found in their possession.
Besides crime, Sibanda said they are also working on reducing cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
“We sit down with the people and give them advice that will help them resolve issues that they are facing”, said Sibanda.
“I can testify that this group is working and is of great help to the community because a lot of people come for advice and we have accompanied a number of people to different places to pay lobola since some of these misunderstandings emanate from such issues.”
Sibanda also encouraged other communities to create such platforms to fight crime in their area.
