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Chief Mtshana Khumalo

Leonard Ncube in Hwange
SECURITY forces have appealed to traditional leaders in Matabeleland North province to partner them in the fight against rampant crime.

Murder, poaching, rape and stocktheft are some of the prevalent crimes in the province.

The appeal was made on Wednesday at a Traditional Leaders’ Day organised by the Zimbabwe National Army at 1.2 Infantry Battalion in Hwange.

Speaking at the occasion, 1 Brigade Commander Brigadier General Augustine Chipwere said the security forces are ready to deal with any criminal activity that can destabilise the country.

“The protection and security of the country starts with chiefs as they ensure peace. The army can only go into communities on the invitation of traditional leaders. It’s unfortunate that we have individuals in our communities who have no respect for our heritage hence we appeal to you traditional leaders to encourage people to inform police when they detect crime and police will inform us if need be,” he said.

Brig Gen Chipwere said the recent incidents of poisoning of wildlife by poachers was unfortunate and calls for cooperation.

“Use of cyanide is an issue we need to deal with and as security forces we are ready to deal with poaching but we rely on information from communities. You should give us leads so that we defend and maintain our heritage,” he said.

Brig Gen Chipwere said such gatherings as Wednesday’s meeting provides a platform for security forces and traditional leaders to share views on how to protect the country’s heritage.

The meeting was last held three years ago and Brig Gen Chipwere said he was happy with attendance as all the seven districts were represented by traditional leaders, District Administrators and service chiefs.

“We thought this year we should revive the meeting as it is an opportunity for us to exchange notes with chiefs because that is critical in executing our constitutional mandate.”

Speaking at the same occasion, police spokesperson for Matabeleland North province Inspector Siphiwe Makonese said police cannot work in isolation in the fight against crime and she implored traditional leaders to mobilise people to fight crime.

“Crime is a societal evil which affects everyone in the community hence we can’t work in isolation as police. Statistics show that poaching of animals using cyanide, crimes of passion leading to murder, stocktheft and rape are high.

“It’s you traditional leaders who teach values, ethics and morals hence we are pleading with you to talk to people. Police can’t be everywhere and at the same time if we just enter communities without your knowledge people won’t listen but they can do so through you,” she said.

Insp Makonese said the province had since January this year recorded 508 cases of stocktheft, 173 of rape and 27 murders. She could not give details about poaching which she said were still being compiled.

Deputy president of the Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs Chief Mtshana Khumalo of Bubi said: “We welcome the call as it is our duty to support Government programmes and protect values.”

He commended the army for its involvement in developmental projects.

The traditional leaders said they enjoy cordial relations with the security forces especially the army. — @ncubeleon