By Simbarashe Sithole
Police in Mashonaland Central province have recorded a spike in the crime rate during the first quarter of this year.
Speaking during a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Client Service Charter re-launch at Nzvimbo growth point in Chiweshe recently, Officer Commanding Mashonaland Central Commissioner Rangarirai Mushaurwa said crime had increased by 8%.
“Crime is generally on the increase in this province despite the various measures we are implanting in order to eradicate it,” she said.
“During this first quarter of the year, a total of 2 196 crimes were recorded against a total of 2 030 recorded during the same period last year. This implies that crime rose by 166 cases, which represents an increase of 8%.”
Mushaurwa urged communities to collaborate with police in curbing crime.
“You should unite in your communities and this charter gives members of the public the obligation to assist the police with information which helps in the investigation of crime, arrest of suspects and recovery of property,” she said.
The rise in crime has led to over subscription of magistrate courts, prompting deployment of two more magistrates in Bindura to clear the backlog in the next three months.
