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High levels of hijackings, extortion and gender-based violence (GBV) in and around Makhaza continue to be a problem for the local police.
According to the latest crime statistics, Makhaza which is the satellite station under Harare Police Station, experienced a surge in hijackings and other crimes.
In terms of the figures, Harare is in position four on carjacking of the top 30 stations in the country. During the first quarter of the year it recorded 62 cases while during the same period last year it had 31 cases, a staggering 100% increase.
In a quest to turn the tide against the scourge, Harare police held a crime awareness initiative at the Makhaza Shopping Centre on Saturday 25 June.
They targeted Japhta Masemola Road, which has been highlighted as one of the hijacking hotspots. Criminals target unsuspecting motorists, particularly delivery trucks as well as private vehicles.
The hijackings reportedly happen throughout the day.
On the day, police officers in partnership with law enforcement officers and neighbourhood watches handed over 1 000 awareness pamphlets to residents.
Sgt Nosiphiwo Mntengwane, Harare police spokesperson, said they urge residents to speak out about criminal activities in their communities.
“Residents know the culprits that are committing crime in their area. So, to have these campaigns to help us to connect with them and to share vital information with us,” said Mntengwane.
She said even if it is one person that speaks out on crime, that can lead to positive arrest and incarceration of the culprits.
Harare CPF chair Funeka Soldaat said crime awareness campaigns also help the community to take responsibility as well.
“Police alone will never be able to win the fight against crime. Crime affects everybody and we all need to play a role to get rid of it,” she said.
Soldaat believes also that police visibility was “very important” as in most cases disturbs criminals on their plans.
The day also saw a prayer taking place where stakeholders called for divine intervention to deal with crime in general.
