Morningside residents plead for tower lights as muggings, robberies increase
Roseline Mutare
MASVINGO – Morningside residents are up in arms with the city council over the persistent robberies in their area, which they attribute to the lack of proper street lighting.
The community is calling on the local authority to install tower lights along the streets to illuminate the area and make it safe for residents.
Recently a woman was robbed of US$200 at around 6pm as she was coming from Nemamwa when she disembarked from a commuter omnibus.
An A level student at a local school was mugged as he was coming from a discussion with fellow students in the nearby suburb of Rujeko as he was using a footpath at around 7pm.
The robbers found nothing of value on him and they just warned him not to move around at night with nothing on him.
“For months now, we have been experiencing break-ins and theft, and it’s all due to the darkness. If the area was well-lit, these criminals wouldn’t have a chance to hide and carry out their nefarious activities,” said Takunda Taderera, a resident.
Another resident, Sphiwe Moyo, echoed the same sentiment, “We need tower lights installed along our streets. It is the only way we can feel safe and secure in our homes. The darkness is a breeding ground for criminal activity”.
Nozipho Ncube, a mother of two, expressed her concern for the safety of children.
“We cannot let our children play outside after dark because we are afraid of what might happen to them. If the area was well-lit, we would have peace of mind knowing they are safe,” said Moyo.
City of Masvingo Mayor, Aleck Tabe said they have rolled out a program to install tower lights in all the suburbs beginning with Rhodene.
The residents are urging the council to take immediate action and install the necessary lighting infrastructure in the suburb.
They believe that a brighter Morningside will not only be a safer place but also a more enjoyable one to live in.
“We are not asking for much, just lighting to keep us safe. We hope the authorities will listen to our plea and take action soon,” added another resident.
