MIDWEEK REPORTER
MASVINGO-Influential, Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) has joined the fight against crime by proposing the erection of boom gates at major entry and exit points in the leafy suburb of Rhodene.
“Robbers do not normally want to be disturbed where they will be committing crimes and one way of interrupting and deterring thefts and robberies is by manning major exit and entry points in Rhodene by erecting of boom gates where those who will be getting in and out of the suburb can be stopped and asked a few security questions especially at odd hours before they get in or out,” said MURRA board chairman, Thomas Mbetu.
Mbetu added that residents would be contributing some money on monthly basis towards the sustenance of the project with an option of engaging a private security company or their own employees to do the job.
MURRA wrote a letter to the Masvingo City Council proposing the erection of boom gates at the beginning of the year.
Council in turn asked the residents representative body to propose areas that they want the boom gates to be erected before they approve the project.
“Following our letter requesting permission to erect boom gates at all major entry and exit points in Rhodene, below is a list of the proposed points
1.Hospital Road (from town)
2.Rhus Avenue (off Harare Road)
3.Duranta (off Harare Road)
4.McGhie Street (last house along Harare Road)
5.Carry Street (off Harare Road)
6.Carry Street (off Mutare Telone)
7.Mahogany Street (off Harare Road)
8.Lundi Star Drive (going to Mangwandi Cemetry,just by the corner),” reads the letter in our possession dated March 28, 2023.
Tendai Mapanda who stays in Carry Street and works for a local hotel said the idea was noble as it will reduce thefts in the area.
“The idea was long overdue, we support it 100% as it will assist in curbing crime in the neighborhood.
“Most of the robbers are always armed and use getaway cars and if the boom gates are erected it will be difficult for them to commit crime in Rhodene,” said Mapanda.
“The idea is brilliant, but I would like to urge those spearheading it to carry out due diligence and engage other area where the same thing has been done so that they come up with the most suitable model for us here,” said Mispa Marunda who stays along Bangala Avenue.
Alec Mukungunugwa a security expert said this is the modern way of fighting crime especially in affluent areas where it is easy to erect boom gates or single entry and exit points manned by trained security personnel.
“Criminals are human beings and it is only wise to engage human beings to prevent theft of property. Set a human being to catch a human being, is the way to go.
“It is also advisable that they engage a professional security company to man the entry and exit points because there is a risk of engaging criminals who may worsen the situation,” said the respected security expert.
