Car thefts surge amidst calls for neighbourhood watch revival

Victor Sibanda

While police report a welcome decrease in overall crime rates so far in 2024 compared to last year, concerns are rising over a specific trend: car thefts. A recent District Crime Liaison Committee meeting brought these issues to light, along with calls for a potential solution – the revival of the neighborhood watch program.

Acting Office Commanding Victoria Falls, Superintendent Dominic Sibanda, offered some positive news. “We have fewer cases this year from January to March compared to the same period last year,” he revealed, crediting the progress to the community’s partnership with law enforcement. “As we police, we are glad with the collaboration we are having with members of the public. Let’s continue to work together to combat crime,” Sibanda urged. The senior police also notified that there is however an increase in car theft in the resort city.

However, not all residents shared Superintendent Sibanda’s optimism. A local resident, Kenneth Maridza, expressed concerns about a new trend: “Criminals are on the prawl.” He also raised suspicion about the influx of Zambian vendors, suggesting they might be contributing to the rise in crime. “A horde of Zambian vendors flood the city every day. How do they pass through our border post? I have no doubt that dangerous drugs find their way through this border,” Mariridza claimed. A Zambian vendor, Anamwaka Banda, strongly refuted these accusations. “No Zambian would come here for theft,” she asserted. “We come for selling.”

Elphias Mambume, Ward 1 Councilor, offered a potential solution that resonated with many residents. “The resuscitation of the neighborhood watch committee in other locations is overdue,” Mambume declared. Highlighting the success of a similar program in his ward, he argued for a renewed community effort. “Those without basic knowledge on how to run a neighborhood watch committee should come for induction. We are helping police thwart crimes in the city,” Mambume emphasized. Residents from high-density suburbs like Chinotimba echoed his sentiments. “It’s a welcome move,” said Sithembiso Ngulube. Ngulube spoke from experience, having lost valuables to thieves who operated with impunity at dawn. “Having a neighborhood watch committee will help reduce thefts in our houses,” he said.

Victoria Falls now finds itself at a crossroads. With a decrease in some crimes but a rise in car thefts, residents and police navigate a changing landscape. The potential return of a neighborhood watch program, championed by both residents and a local councilor, has emerged as a promising answer. Whether this collaborative effort can effectively address the evolving crime situation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Victoria Falls residents are determined to keep their community safe.

Zimbabwe Republic Police throughout the country has zero tolerance against crime. Police in Victoria Falls are working tirelessly to combat crime inline with the constitution. The Police Service (the Zimbabwe Republic Police) is established by section 219 of the Constitution, with the function of “detecting, investigating and preventing crime.”