Elinciya Witman
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Midlands Province recently launched a massive crime awareness campaign in Silobela, Kwekwe District, at Crossroads, aimed at empowering the community to work hand-in-hand with the force to curb crime.
The campaign was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, and members of the public.
Honorable Minister Owen Ncube, Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, the guest of honor at the event, emphasized the need for discipline and sustained peace and stability in the country
. “I commend Officer in Command in Midlands Province Commissioner Nyabadza for accounting for robberies, murder cases, perpetrators of rape, stock theft, illegal mining and drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Commissioner Nyabadza, Officer in Command of Midlands Province, attributed the surge in crime to drug abuse.
“Drug abuse has worsened the way crimes are being committed,” he said. “We have cases of murder, rape, and robbery that are linked to substance abuse.”
In his address, Commissioner Nyabadza focused on the growing link between substance abuse and violent crime.
“Drug abuse has worsened the way crimes are being committed. While we are not denying that crimes existed before drug use, now the situation is more severe. We’re seeing murder cases where victims are stabbed 26 times, or a person raping a two-week-old baby. Drugs have become a major push factor in the rise of such horrific crimes.”
Commissioner Nyabadza elaborated on the issue, stating, “We came here to strengthen the relationship between the police and the people. We came here in Silobela to tell you that only police officers can’t put peace in an area without the help of the people; we depend on each other. I became so disturbed when I saw on social media people assaulting and insulting police officers while the public applauds. We don’t expect police officers to be assaulted while the public watches.”
According to statistics presented during the event, Midlands Province recorded 38,459 crimes of concern from January to September 2025.
Kwekwe District alone contributed 9,407 cases—25% of the provincial total, exceeding the expected district average of 20%. Silobela contributed 1,292 cases (14%).
Kwekwe also topped several crime categories, with 38% of all murder cases and 34% of armed robbery incidents occurring there.
Out of 578 robbery cases involving weapons across the province, Kwekwe contributed 270, nearly half. Commissioner Nyabadza also noted that Silobela accounted for 38% of the province’s drug abuse cases, well above the expected 14% station average.
Commissioner Nyabadza also emphasized the importance of community policing and urged the public to work together with the police to prevent crime.
“The constitution allows for citizen arrest of people committing a crime, but you should not beat them because you might commit murder. “
The CID Midlands Drugs and Narcotics unit highlighted signs of drug abuse, including physical and behavioral changes, and urged parents to be vigilant.
“First thing is red eyes, also they might become big or small and one may struggle to see sometimes. They don’t want to bathe and change clothes. Lack of socialization as they had newfound friends at drug bases. Lack of coordination and balance.”
The awareness campaign highlighted the need for vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities, through blowing the whistle or anonymous tip-off and urged the public not to be silent while children are being abused.
The police also provided tips on preventing armed robbery, rape, and stock theft.
On armed robbery, business people should use banks to store money and update their security by using CCTV cameras.
On rape, people should teach their kids not to use secluded places and walk in groups when coming from school.
You also should not leave your kids in the care of untrustworthy individuals, as rape cases of juveniles are being committed by relatives and people you trust blindly.
The awareness campaign urged the public to make use of traditional leaders to solve disputes to avoid murder cases.
The campaign concluded with a call to action for the community to work together with the police to prevent crime and ensure a safer environment for all.
Jonnah Nyerera, MP for Silobela constituency, donated 5 bikes to the police officers to enhance their operations.
