by Patience Maganzo
Harare, Zimbabwe (News Of a The South) – A convoy of heavily armoured Police on Monday morning patrolled around Bulawayo Central business district ordering people to refrain from partaking in unlawful activities. Citizens were urged not to copy the lawlessness seen in other Countries around the world in times of unrest, but to remain peaceful and calm at all times.
The police also preached love to the bystanders, “asibeni lothando, asibeni lomusa, asihlonipheni abazali bethu, asihlonipheni odadewethu labafowethu, singalimazisani….” This translates to, let us all be loving and caring, respect your parents, sisters and brothers and be your brother’s keeper.
This act is one of the measures being implemented by the Zimbabwe Republic Police in trying to curb the high crime currently experienced in the country. Criminal activities have increased in recent months due to the worsening economy which has brought havoc to citizens.
The depleting RTGS dollar against the United States dollar has left many stranded as their monthly income has been eroded. A doctor who once earned US $1400 now earns just above US $140 and this is not enough considering many services now charge in us dollars. Most citizens’ salaries have been reduced to a mere US $40 and this has prompted to the rise of illegal activities. The country this year recorded the highest unemployment rate yet which is at 90%. An idle mind is dangerous, most youths are now engaged in alcohol abuse and criminal activities.
Reports of break ins and smash and grab robbery cases have increased significantly these past two months. The robbers are targeting middle and low density suburbs in Harare and Bulawayo especially.
The situation has become worse due to the load shedding which has plunged cities in darkness for long periods of time making it difficult to at least identify the culprits. Television sets especially flat TV’s, mobile phones, jewelry and decoders are some of the most stolen properties. The perpetrators have become daring to the extent of grapping purses and phones in broad daylight.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police responded by increasing patrols and surveillance across the Country but this has not stopped the soaring crime rate. Hence this morning heavily armed and in full regalia they took to the street to remind the people that they have a mandate to protect peace in the Country. They urged citizens to desist from unlawful behavior and to be their brother’s keeper.
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