BRRA takes a stand against crime and deviance in Ward 18

Peter Tanyanyiwa Suburban Reporter

The Borrowdale Residents and Ratepayers Association (BRRA) is intensifying its efforts to combat crime and deviant behavior in Ward 18, advocating for a community that is both crime-free and intolerant to unacceptable practices.

The association says while residents have the right to safe neighbourhoods, they also bear the responsibility of fostering an environment conducive to safety and moral integrity.

In an interview, BRRA chairperson Mr Robert Mutyasira highlighted the urgent need for community engagement in addressing rising deviance.

“We must collectively identify and resist behaviour that undermine our social fabric. It is crucial for residents to be intolerant of any deviant actions, regardless of who is involved,” he said.

Mr Mutyasira’s remarks come in light of increasing concerns over what many perceive as a normalisation of petty crimes, which have escalated into more serious issues affecting the community.

The BRRA’s initiative aims to instill a culture of accountability among residents, urging them to self-reflect and challenge the status quo.

The association points to a troubling trend where behaviour once deemed unacceptable are now being accepted as the new norm.

This shift has raised alarm particularly among parents who worry about the impact on their children.

A local resident shared a poignant example recounting a moment with her four-year-old grandson while driving behind a commuter omnibus. The toddler observed two young men precariously hanging onto the back of the kombi, prompting a discussion about their conduct.

The grandmother described them as “demon possessed devils who steal, harm, and kill others,” hoping to instill a sense of abnormality regarding such actions in her grandson’s perception.

The BRRA is committed to reversing this trend by fostering robust relationships with local law enforcement and other social control agents.

Their strategy includes extensive community sensitisation and education campaigns aimed at reinforcing traditional values and acceptable behaviour.

“We need to expose our youth to the realities of law enforcement, ensuring they understand the consequences of deviant behaviour,” said Mr Mutyasira.

The association’s agenda also encompasses a crackdown on various forms of deviance, including corruption, reckless driving, illegal street vending and public disturbances.

These activities, often dismissed as minor infractions are seen as the roots of larger societal issues that threaten community cohesion.

As the BRRA embarks on the mission to quell misconduct and crime, the body called for a united front among residents to define and uphold community standards.

“Unless we reach a consensus on what constitutes acceptable behaviour, deviance will continue to erode our social structures,” warned Mr Mutyasira.