The community of Vokola in Insiza South has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from a period marked by fear and violence to one of relative peace and renewed security.
For an extended period, the area had been terrorised by violent gangs, resulting in several deaths and a breakdown of public order that left residents living in constant fear.
Following a direct appeal by community leaders to the Filabusi Officer-in-Charge, police officers were deployed to the area, a move that has since stabilised the situation and allowed residents to celebrate a peaceful and incident-free Christmas.
Village Head, Admire Thutshu Dube of Bambanani, described the depth of the crisis that forced the community to seek urgent intervention, saying the situation had reached a breaking point after the body of a young man was discovered at Vokola Business Centre last month.
“We were living a difficult life. There was violence in the area; there were boys who were coming here, fighting and killing people,” Dube said.
He explained that the continued bloodshed compelled traditional leaders to convene and formally request assistance from law enforcement to restore order in the village.
The police presence, Dube said, has brought immediate relief, particularly to elderly residents who previously feared moving around freely.
“We note that the situation is now better. Even on Christmas Day there was no violence. People can see that the law is working, there is peace and order. Even the elderly are happy. Even if you are going home late, you know you are safe,” he said.
Despite the improvement, Dube stressed that lasting peace would require long-term solutions, including the establishment of a permanent police camp within the community. He noted that the nearest police station in Avoca is too far to ensure a swift response during emergencies.
While residents have welcomed the current security measures, there are growing calls for professional conduct by law enforcement officers and firm legal action against repeat offenders.
Dube said police officers must work respectfully with the community while making sure those responsible for violence are held accountable.
“Those who commit crime must be arrested and not come back to the community because they are a problem. People move with fear if the perpetrators keep coming back,” he added.
Echoing these sentiments, Ramsford Siginya Ndlovu, a resident of Ward Seven in Vokola, said the violence had previously paralysed everyday life and local business activities.
“We were no longer comfortable to go and buy at the local shops because of violence, but since the coming of the police officers, we are very happy and free to move around,” Ndlovu said.
He confirmed that crime levels have significantly dropped since the deployment of officers, marking what residents hope is the beginning of a new chapter of safety, freedom and stability for the Vokola community.
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