The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Nkayi District has responded to community calls for a police base in Nesigwe area, Nkayi ward 5. In addition to the approval of a police base, the ZRP has deployed a team of five police officers to man a temporary police base situated at Nesigwe Clinic.
The move to set up a police base in the ward is in response to the advocacy efforts of the Habakkuk Trust Community Advocacy Action Team in the Ward. The work carried out by the Advocacy Action team has been instrumental in mobilization, lobbying, and promoting citizen and duty bearer engagement on the issue.
The issue of crime was identified as a development concern at a capacity-building workshop targeting the local community and their leaders. Thereafter, the Action Team crafted an action plan to engage the DISPOL for Nkayi, who responded timeously to the issue.
Nkayi Rural District Council recently pegged the site at Nesigwe Business Centre and construction plans are underway.
Habakkuk Trust Action Team Convener Thembani Ncube appreciated the advocacy efforts by the Action Team that has resulted in the approval of a police base in the Ward. “We are happy that our advocacy efforts are finally bearing fruits,” he said. “We are yet to mobilize villagers and resources towards the construction of this base.” Ncube also commended the deployment of police officers, a move that has reportedly reduced incidences of crime in the Ward.
Councillor Fanuel Mpofu explained that a Ward Development Committee meeting will soon meet to calculate the bill of quantities.
The absence of a police base and police details had been a driver of crime in the ward. Heinous crimes of manslaughter, rape and violent fighting were a common feature in the area.
Source: Habakkuk Trust
