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Kamfinsa Neighbourhood Watch keen on fighting crime

03 Dec, 2021 - 00:12 0 Views

Suburban

 THE newly formed Kamfinsa Neighbourhood Watch is keen on reducing criminal activities in Greendale which have seen residents living in fear of being targeted by thieves.

Ivan Zhakata Suburban Reporter

Since it started its operations early this month, the Kamfinsa Neighbourhood Watch has made commendable progress in reducing crime in Greendale.

Of late, Greendale residents had been living in constant fear over the increase in armed robbery cases, snatch and grab and theft crimes in their suburb despite having introduced night patrols.

The crimes were reportedly taking place during daylight and sunset times as the criminals avoided carrying out raids during the night because they were aware security teams were carrying out patrols. 

Chairperson of the Kamfinsa Neighbourhood Watch Mr Ashley Naidoo said they were relieved that crime levels have dropped significantly in Greendale.

He is being assisted by Mrs Sue Bell as the treasurer and Mr Kuda Sithole as the patroller in running the Kamfinsa Neighbourhood Watch.

“The crime rate has come down and no major issues have been reported at the moment. The people who conduct criminal activities are not from Greendale. They come from Mabvuku, Tafara and Epworth among other outside areas.

“The crime rate is not at zero, it is still there but not as worse as it used to be. The residents are security conscious but are reluctant to join the neighbourhood watch though some are coming to be part of us,” said Mr Naidoo.

He said they were working hand in glove with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and private security companies to combat crime in the Greendale area.

“If there are any other issues affecting the security of the residents we engage each other and work together. Residents are appreciating what we are doing and some of them are now willing to join the neighbourhood watch,” he said.

Mr Naidoo said the benefits of joining the neighbourhood watch included but not limited to access to hotline numbers in case of an emergency, quick responses, police assistance, night patrols and updates on crime prevention.

The Greendale-Athlone Neighbourhood Watch led by Bishop Milton Amos Chaniwa has also been doing commendable work in terms of fighting crime in the Greendale area.

Early this year, it held crime awareness campaigns to educate residents on prevalent criminal cases such rape and unlawful entry and theft in the area.

They also raised awareness on Covid-19 and the need for residents to continue observing the World Health Organisation and national guidelines on the pandemic such as wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, washing or sanitising hands and avoiding crowds and gatherings.

Bishop Chaniwa described the crime awareness campaign as a success.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police officers joined us during the campaign. We had representatives from Police Internal Security Intelligence, those from the office of the Public Relations and the Victim Friendly Unit and basically they were informing the public on the crimes of concern ie rape cases which are on the rise where minors are abused by relatives. So they were conscientising residents that they should never trust leaving minors alone even with some of the relatives like those of the opposite sex so that they don’t create a conducive environment for rape.

“And much of the rape that is taking place these days is not the type where someone forces themselves on someone of the opposite sex but this time, it is even unconsented sex where a husband forces himself on his wife when they are not consenting,” he said.

Bishop Chaniwa said other crimes of concern were unlawful entry and theft which he said were on the rise due to fact that the economy was a bit harsh due to the slowdown caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns. 

In neighbouring Mandara, residents established security check points on various intersections in their suburb in a move meant to curb armed robberies and theft cases which are on the increase in Ward 9.

The residents through their Mandara Security Group made financial contributions to enable the group to carry out night patrols and other security measures to reduce criminal activities in the suburb. 

Residents bought some drums which were put at the corners of Harare Drive and Wallis, Pringle and Riverton and Pringle and Harare Drive as security check points in a bid to sniff out any suspicious and criminal activities in the area.

They are manned by the local residents in the neighbourhood watch committee who make sure that investigations are carried out on any suspicious movements and action taken immediately with police being called for assistance in cases which warrant their involvement.

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