Police with the support of residents of Senga has established 10 area crime committees aimed at fighting crime in the suburb.
According to the police, the establishment of the committees in the area has resulted in a number of criminals being arrested with the involvement and support of members of the public.
“As a result of efficient movement of information a number of arrests have been made and of particular mention is the arrest of one suspect Prince Dube (27) of no fixed abode on 11 March 2021. His arrest cleared five cases of housebreakings and theft which were committed in Mutausi Park and Randolph Park suburbs.
On 11 May 2021, two notorious gangs of armed robbers who had been committing offenses in Gweru and Kwekwe were arrested and about 22 cases, were cleared,” said Inspector Mahoko
Among the arrested are Tapiwanashe Sibanda (26) of no fixed abode, Trust Moyo (26) of no fixed abode, Sydney Mapende (23) of Gore Compound, Ridgemont in Gweru, Samuel Murisi (21)of Ascot Infill, and Daison Manzebe aged 21 years of no fixed abode.
Insp Mahoko said the second group linked to the Kwekwe cases is also a five men gang and four suspects have been arrested so far. All the arrested suspects reside in Gweru and are Mardon Makuni (20) of Ascot, Tapiwa Never Hlomani (25) of Ascot, Leonard Mapurazi (19) of Claremont, Gweru, and Ashley Moses (23) of Ascot, Gweru. The outstanding suspect is only known by the name Donnie.
He said meetings between the police and crime committees are regularly held to, analyze the crime situation and proffering management strategies.
“Community patrol teams are in place to boost area patrols accompanied by police officers. Whatsapp social media groups were also formed to enhance the flow of information among the public, as well as from the police. These efforts have helped to suppress crime when compared to previous periods, despite the rise in population and other militating factors,” said Insp Mahoko.
He added that members of the public who have contributed to the realization of these successes in policing are greatly applauded.
“We call upon those sitting on the fence to join the bandwagon in fighting crime. Those with criminal inclination are warned that the arm of the law will catch up with them soon.
Senga has a huge mixed population given that it accommodates Midlands State University (MSU) with students of diverse backgrounds. There is a rapid growth of residential suburbs. The background gives fertile ground for all forms of crime,” said Insp Mahoko.
