Bulawayo police in partnership with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) conducted a community policing workshop as part of efforts to curb crime.
Speaking during the meeting last week, the officer commanding Bulawayo Central District Chief Superintendent Marshal Dube said the workshop was aimed at addressing some of the challenges they were facing in terms of crime management, particularly in community policing.
He said the community policing philosophy is also aimed at enhancing public safety through various partnerships and initiatives involving local communities.
“Our relationship with Nust has been there for a very long time. They have assisted us with a number of programmes that have enriched our members with skills and knowledge,” he said.
Chief Supt Dube said the workshop is also a platform to share ideas on how to reduce crime with the involvement of communities.
He said the event also aimed to improve the participants’ competencies and revamp policing initiatives with various partners in their respective areas of policing.
“The 2023 harmonised elections and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair are beckoning and we have since started preparations in earnest. The nation and, in particular, this province expects an exhibition of excellence in policing before, during and after these events,” said Chief Supt Dube
Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube said the workshop was attended by officers in charge of various stations in Bulawayo including those in charge of operations and crime.
He said similar workshops would be rolled out in other provinces.
“This is a workshop whereby we are looking into the operations of the police. We are drawing a lot of benefits from working with members of the public. So, the community policing initiative is where police involve as much as possible members of the public in the fight against crime,” said Insp Ncube.
We have several initiatives in place such as the business against crime forum of Zimbabwe, neighbourhood watch committees and junior call clubs.”
Insp Ncube said as police they are benefitting from such arrangements as members of the public complement police in the fight against crime.
He said some of the challenges that police encounter in the fight against crime revolve around members of the public not reporting cases.
“This community policing initiative is opening avenues for the members of the public to view Zimbabwe Republic Police as their partners in fighting crime.
“As police, we view the needs and aspirations of the public as our own so that there is a community buy-in in all that we do,” said Insp Ncube.
He urged members of the public to come on board and join the police in the fight against crime through community policing initiatives. – The Chronicle
