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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
MATABELELAND South Province recorded a 24 percent increase in crime between January and October this year compared to the same period last year.

Police revealed that murder cases have decreased in the period under review while rape, armed robberies and theft increased.

Speaking at a provincial client service charter re-launch at Lutumba Business Centre in Beitbridge on Wednesday, the Officer Commanding Matabeleland South Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Learn Ncube, urged members of the public to participate in various community policing initiatives.

Snr Asst Comm Ncube raised concern over some community members who were assisting and harbouring criminals.

“Our province has recorded a significant rise in the crime situation for the period January to October 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. In 2016 we recorded 5 003 cases while this year we recorded 6 204 cases meaning that we had 1 201 more crimes.

“From the given statistics it’s clear that we have a huge task on our hands. I’m however, confident that with the necessary support from the entire community, we are going to reduce crime in the province,” he said.

Snr Asst Comm Ncube said the province recorded a decrease in murder cases as 48 were recorded this year compared to 57 that were recorded over the same period last year. Rape cases increased from 247 last year to 267 this year while armed robbery cases had increased from 68 to 110. Theft cases increased from 1 163 to 1 581.

He said the purpose of the client service charter re-launch was for police to reaffirm and promise quality service to members of the public.

“ZRP continues to embrace the concept of community policing encouraging community participation in fighting crime. I therefore urge and challenge each and every one of you to subscribe to one of the many community policing initiatives as we fight crime.

“Initiatives such as crime consultative committees, business against crime forum, business against stock theft, neighbourhood watch committees and the new ward or village anti stock theft committees are some of the critical instruments that can help fight crime,” he said.

Senior Asst Comm Ncube urged members of the public to report crime and lodge complaints when not satisfied with police services. He said community members also had an obligation to assist police in arresting offenders as stated in the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, Section 39, Chapter 9:07.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Ambassador Aaron Maboyi, said the public expected quality services from the police. He applauded the police for creating various community policing initiatives and urged them to strengthen linkages with stakeholders further in order to achieve a crime free environment.

He urged the public to cooperate with police.

“The police have pledged their commitment and I would urge community members to play their part. Without sharing information about criminals, the police can’t make a breakthrough in arrests.

“The crime figures that were highlighted are really disturbing, therefore let’s work with the police. At the same time police should offer quality services,” said Ambassador Maboyi. — @DubeMatutu.