Suburban
Ivan Zhakata Suburban Reporter
The Mandara Crime Consultative Committee (MCCC) is urging residents to unite and work together to combat the increasing rate of criminal activities in the suburb.
The call was made by MCCC chairperson Mr Stanley Nzvere following complaints of a spate of break-ins and robberies taking place in the neighbourhood during the ongoing lockdown period.
In debate on a residents’ social media platform, some residents suggested the establishment of a rapid response team but Mr Nzvere said this was only possible if the residents were willing to work together.
“Let us have rapid response teams availed with volunteer transport for each section or zone to pick up allocated police officers. We also need each household to save at least one contact number for emergencies in case the group SOS may not be working,” suggested a resident Ms Tsitsi Dangarembizi.
In response, Mr Nzvere said it was a good idea but it needed a collective effort from the residents for it to be effective.
“Very good idea but the problem with Mandara residents is that we are not united at all, we are too individualistic. We view volunteers as our workers instead of regarding them as helpers.
“Some of us put as many hours of our time in trying to reduce crime rate in the area and instead of being appreciated we are accused of mismanaging funds which we do not even have access to as everything is being properly accounted for via a merchant code and the treasurer can produce accounts on request to any member wishing to check how the money is being used. Meetings are called for and at most there has been not more than 10 residents in attendance. How then do we forge ahead when everyone is busy with their personal issues and yet the security of our area should be everyone’s concern?” he said.
Mr Nzvere said if Mandara residents were united and committed to ensuring their security, all the crime issues affecting the area would be a thing of the past.
“My suggestion is simple, commitment. If just say half of the people in Mandara committed themselves to the cause, I can see us succeeding.
“Granted for various reasons, we cannot all be available at the same time but what is required is ownership of the programme. For those that cannot be physically involved we avail resources to facilitate what needs to be done,” he said.
Residents said they will consider Mr Nzvere’s idea and convene a meeting after the lockdown to map a way forward.
Of late some sections of Mandara have been without electricity as a result of faults and theft of transformers, leaving residents exposed to the menace of criminals taking advantage of darkness to target houses in the suburb.
