-as crime rate rise
MILLICENT HUNGWE
Masvingo –Residents of the medium density suburb of Target Kopje are living in constant fear as muggings and robberies are on the increase and they have reached out to the police to set up a base in the area.
The call for a police base come hard on the heels of two muggings that happened on the same day recently in the area with one resulting in the death of 24 year old Mike Bhungeni at Ndarama High School.
The latest murder has frightened residents and they are finding it difficult to travel on foot along the bushy pathways even during the day or just before dusk.
These developments have prompted the residents to up the tempo on the need to establish a police base in the neighborhood despite having one at nearby Exor Station.
The area near the wet dumpsite close to Ndarama High School is of particular concern, with locals claiming it provides cover for robbers to launch attacks.
Residents are now calling for urgent action to clear the area and eliminate hiding spots for criminals.
“The place is too dark and bushy. Thieves hide there and attack people, especially those coming from the Ndarama bus stop,” said one resident who preferred to remain anonymous.
“We are no longer safe in our own neighborhood, a police base is the only solution as it deters would be criminals,” said the resident.
In response, ZRP Masvingo Province spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, urged the community to take initiatives and work together with law enforcement to address the crime surge.
“There are many initiatives that residents of Target Kopje can undertake,” he said. “They can create night patrol teams such as neighborhood watch groups, like those currently operating in Rhodene,”
Inspector Dhewa emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions that involve close monitoring of neighborhood patrols, with assigned individuals and emergency contact systems to alert authorities in case of suspicious activities.
“The use of drones is another modern and effective method,” he added. “Residents can pool resources to employ one or two individuals to monitor the area using drones and alert the police if need arises.”
He also called for a community meeting that would include police representatives to collaboratively plan a way forward in dealing with the rising crime rate.
“These incidents actually started in 2023. I have three cases of rape; however, we tried to engage the police, but they failed to attend any meetings.
“We had suggested setting up a police base at Target Kopje shops, but nothing was done.
“Moreover, we are clearing the bushy area from the roundabout to Ndarama.
“We urge the public not to use that road at night, but rather to use the roads within the Target Kopje residential area,” said Ward 6 Councillor, Wilstaff Sitemere.
City of Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe added that installation of tower lights across the town is underway, especially along the Chevron to Ndarama road.
He noted that they have been informed of the mugging incidents in the area, and as a result, they have engaged the engineer to expedite the installation of the tower lights.
As fear continues to grow among Target Kopje residents, many hope that swift, united action will restore safety and peace to the neighborhood.
