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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu – [email protected]

THE National Peace and Reconciliation has tasked police to put in place mechanisms to rebuild people’s confidence in the force to eliminate conflicts that exist between community members and law enforcement agents.

The commission also said collaboration between police and the public is key in fostering peace and reconciliation.

The NPRC has launched a two-month nationwide peace campaign ahead of this year’s harmonised elections that are expected to be held in August.

The countrywide peace outreach fulfils the NPRC’s constitutional mandate of conflict prevention with planned activities meant to conscientise the people about the importance of maintaining and preserving peace within their communities.

The commission has conducted meetings with traditional leaders, the police, religious leaders and other independent commissions in Matabeleland South. The commission has also held meetings in the province focusing on peaceful resolution of land and domestic disputes.

Speaking recently during a meeting in Gwanda, NPRC Commissioner responsible for conflict prevention, management resolution and transformation thematic department, Dr Tinashe Rukuni said the relationship between the police and the community continues to diminish, with the public accusing police of poor service delivery.

He said traditional leaders were also demanding recognition and corroborated efforts from the police.

Dr Rukuni said a good relationship between police and various stakeholders is key in preserving peace.

“In order for peace to prevail there is need for continuous engagement between the police, traditional leaders and the general public. Continuous contact assists in eradicating the perceptions which have arisen about police. We call for confidence building initiatives between the ZRP and the public.

Traditional leaders have also pointed out that they are having some challenges with the operations of the police,” he said.

“First of all traditional leaders have to engage with the police and discuss these complaints and challenges and then work together in mapping the way forward. If you employ these suggested conflict prevention intervention strategies, you will realise and enjoy peace within this community.”

Dr Rukuni said traditional leaders should also have continuous engagements with the ZRP and the public to bridge the gap and improve relationships between law enforcement agents and community members.

He said an improved relationship between police and the public leads to the reinforcement of child protection and village anti-stock theft committees.

“We urge you to stop protecting criminals as communities because you have a role in policing together with the police. Some community members choose to harbour criminals and withdraw information from the police. This only affects the community. Let’s work together with the police as this develops our nation. Some communities also resort to mob justice which promotes conflicts rather than peace,” he said.

Dr Rukuni also encouraged traditional leaders to revive traditional ways of resolving conflicts before they escalate into serious offences.

Acting provincial police officer commanding Matabeleland South, Assistant Commissioner Peter Sibanda said the ZRP endeavours to ensure that there is a smooth flow of communication between the organisation and the community.

“We encourage stakeholders to notify the police when they are dissatisfied with the service rendered by the police. The poor turnout from members of the public in joining the police in the fight against crime is concerning,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Sibanda urged members of the public to join neighbourhood watch committees and crime liaison committees among other community policing initiatives to assist in the fight against crime. -@DubeMatutu.