In the wake of a series of fatal stabbings at Gadzema rank in Ward 2 of Chinhoyi, Member of Parliament Leslie Mhangwa has written to the Officer Commanding Makonde District, Chief Superintendent Obert Ngirazi, requesting the re-establishment of a police post and increased patrols in the area. The MP believes that the presence of a police post will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals and provide a convenient access point for residents to report crimes.
According to Mhangwa, the recent incidents of violent crimes at Gadzema rank have caused concern among the residents of Ward 2. He attributes the rise in criminal activity to the scourge of drug and substance misuse in the area, emphasizing the need for collaboration between himself and law enforcement agencies to make Chinhoyi a “No-Go” area for drug peddlers.
In his letter to Chief Superintendent Ngirazi, dated July 15, 2024, Mhangwa expressed his willingness to assist in lobbying higher offices for approval of the proposed police post and participate in resource mobilization to make it a reality. He also commended the police Community Relations and Liaison Office led by Inspector Ian Kohwera for conducting awareness campaigns on crime prevention in the community.
Mhangwa raised concerns about the prosecution’s lack of capacity to successfully prosecute suspects, citing the recent case of Tatenda Mutamba, who was previously incarcerated for stabbing and murdering Munyaradzi Mahwine but was released on bail. He believes that a fully-fledged police post nearby would help build watertight cases for successful prosecution.
The MP also highlighted the need for improved street lighting in the area, stating that part of the next Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation will be channelled towards installing streetlights along crime hotspots. He expressed his commitment to working with the local community, the police, and other stakeholders to restore sanity in Ward 2 and make it a safer place for all residents.
As the MP waits for a response from Chief Superintendent Ngirazi, there is growing concern among residents about the safety of the area. Many have called for urgent action to address the issue of drug and substance abuse, which they believe is at the root of the recent spate of violent crimes.
Speaking to New Zimbabwe, a resident of Ward 2, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration at the lack of police presence in the area. “We feel abandoned by the authorities. There is no police post here, and the police only come when there is a crime. We need a permanent police presence to deter criminals and make our community safer,” she said.
Another resident, who also requested anonymity, echoed her sentiments, saying that the recent stabbings had caused panic and fear in the community. “We are living in fear. We don’t know who will be next. We need the police to be more visible in our area and take action against the drug peddlers who are causing this havoc,” he said.
As the community waits for a response from the authorities, there is a growing sense of urgency to address the issue of drug and substance abuse and restore sanity in Ward 2. The residents are hopeful that the re-establishment of a police post and increased patrols will go a long way in making their community a safer place for all.
