Nkosentsha Khumalo
In a bid to keep up with the spirit of modernization and community engagement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Bulawayo, in partnership with the Catholic Church together with other Christian denominations and the business community launched the Police Church Partnership Bulawayo (PCPB) initiative, which aims to enlist the support of religious communities in the City to combat crime.
The launch of the PCPB initiative was charecterised by a vibrant parade that wove its way from the Drill Hall to Southampton Building and to the City Hall, where residents were invited to interact with law enforcement officers and take part in the festivities.
The parade featured a diverse array of police units, including mounted police, canine units, and the rhythmic sounds of drum majorettes, a demonstration which was a collaboration between enforcement and the religious community from various church denominations which included the Catholic Church, the Seventh Day Adventist, Salvation Army, Zionists, Pentecostals and many more from Bulawayo.
There was a brief stop at Southampton building where the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Judith Ncube officiated the official launch of the Smart City Surveillance System, a joint venture between Bulawayo Business Against Crime Forum Of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) and Safeguard Security Company.
At the final PCPB launch event, which took place at the Large City Hall, invited senior government officials, religious leaders and citizens participated and lent their voices to the program.
After so many years of fighting crime, the Bulawayo Police Department is finally gearing up to bring modern law enforcement techniques to the City of Kings and Queens, with an aim to turn the tide against crime using the aid of advanced technology.
Bulawayo Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube announced the plan to incorporate artificial intelligence, predictive policing, social media forensics, and facial recognition into the force’s arsenal, which in other terms can be huge step in the right direction in the digitization of law enforcement.
Inspector Ncube strongly announced that these cutting-edge tools would significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the police, enabling them to proactively address crime and enhance public safety.
A critical component of the PCPB initiative is the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the Central Business District, which will significantly boost security and enhance traffic management.
During the PCPB launch, the Guest of Honour Hon. Judith Ncube said,
“The PCPB partnership is an important part of our way to response, involving all segments of our society, including the police and the churches. This partnership embodies the spirit of unity and cooperation that will drive any change in our communities.”
The police, as guardians of our laws and protectors of our society, play a vital role in combating crime. Through their unwavering commitment, they apprehend perpetrators, prevent criminal activity, and maintain order within our communities.”
“However, the fight against crime cannot be won solely through enforcement alone. It requires a broader, more holistic approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behavior and fosters a culture of respect, responsibility, and unity. Thus, this is where the church step in as an icon of hope and a catalyst for cultural transformation.”
Ncube said the churches must get deep understanding of human nature and its mandate to care for the spiritual and moral well-being of the world, and play a pivotal role in preventing crime and preventing offending people.
She said through its teachings, counseling services, and community outreach programs, the churches may empower individuals to make positive choices, break free from the state of crime, and become productive members of society.
“The partnership between the police and churches is a natural and necessary alliance. The police, with their expertise in crime prevention and enforcement, can provide invaluable support to the churches efforts to address the underlying social and spiritual issues that contribute to criminal activities.”
“At the same time, the churches, with its deep-rooted connections within communities, can assist the police in building trust, fostering cooperation, and gaining access to information that is crucial for crime prevention. This partnership is not merely a symbolic effort. It is a concrete commitment to each community, underpinned by a shared vision of a strength and a justice society for all.”
“It is a model that we hope will be replicated in communities across our nation, inspiring other organizations to join forces and work together to make our streets safer and our neighborhoods more viable.”
“As the Minister of State, I pledge the full support of the government to this strategy, and its noble mission will provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that this collaboration achieves its full potential.”
Ncube said the installation of CCTV cameras is a testament to the power of innovation in enhancing public safety.
She said this technology will not only deter crime, but also provide valuable evidence for investigations. I commend the business community, and state-sponsored security companies, for their generous support.
Roman Catholic Bishop Alex Thomas shared his word on 1 Corinthians chapter 6, verse 10 which reads, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?
The Bishop said those who live immoral lives, or thieves, exploiters, draggers, ghosts, or embezzlers will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“The above passages are very clear and plain to understand. God does not approve of any evil things from his people.
“Jesus claims the evil things as true. He does not sugarcoat things. All these evil things come from the human being, his heart, his mind. We cannot fight evil if we do not confront the evil person. An individual person has to be made to understand the difference between right and wrong. He or she should be instructed and educated the right way.”
“What is evil? What is evil in us and around has to be named and considered as evil. Similarly, a person who does evil has to be called an evil person. Even if it is I who do the evil thing, I should be called a devil or a son of a devil. There is a saying of the elders that a child is brought up by the whole village. That means it is our responsibility to educate the people, the difference between right and wrong and instruct them not to follow anything wrong.”
Bishop Thomas went on to say,” Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, our gathering here today is probably the beginning of such a journey. We, I suppose, are here to take up the responsibility upon ourselves to speak about evil things that is in our hearts, in our families, in our churches, in our society, in our country.
“We are not here to speak about our respective religions or churches. In all religions, there is a separation between the two.”
The Officer Commanding ZRP Bulawayo Province Commissioner Dr. W. Makamache said the police organization inspired a number of community policy initiatives, which include Business Against Crime Forum, Crime Agenda Committees, Network of Voices Committees, Junior Home Works, Workmaster’s Scheme, and Suggested Works is among the works of other community policy initiatives.
“The process has come up with the newest initiative, building a new bed on the market. That took over six months to see a light effect.
“On this day of October 1, 2024, I stand before you filled with a profound sense of gratitude and of course humility as we embark on this historic partnership between the police and the church. We therefore join hands, forging an unbreakable bond in our unwavering commitment to make our streets safer and our neighbourhoods more secure. The scale of crime has cast a long shadow over our society, eroding the very topic of trust and safety that we hold dear.
“The relentless rise in violence against human kind has been the cause of the violence against humanity and the violence against the people. The violence against humanity, proper offenses and drug related activities has left both citizens and law enforcement agents overwhelmed. However, I firmly believe that this partnership has the potential to be a game changer in our battle against crime.”
“The church for centuries has been an icon of war and a moral compass in our society. Its teachings on compassion, on love and redemption have always been a transformative instrument to life for a countless time. By partnering with the church, we are turning into a vast community.”
“The church is a role of support, influence, team spirit and community engagement that beyond any artistic measures, can empower us to reach far and wide, stay since outside the confines of a police station. Our churches, through their extensive networks of passion, have the ability to disseminate vital information. The church has the ability to disseminate vital information, promote crime prevention and awareness, and provide support to vulnerable members of our community. They can establish neighbourhood watch committees, offer counselling, and lead up to adjacent sex offenders, and provide leadership opportunities to at least youth.”
Makamache said that the church’s moral authority can play a significant role in its chief role in social attitudes towards crime.
“To our officers, this is a reminder that this partnership is an opportunity to redefine our role in the community. We must overcome any preconceived notions or misunderstandings that may exist between the police and the church.
“We must work together to build the relationship of justice. The relationship of trust and mutual respect. And we must be tolerant by a captive, in-our-approach, tender, in-our-strategies to the specific needs of each neighborhood and congregation.”
A Safeguard Security Company Representative said, “We would like to thank the Zimbabwe Republic Police or affording us the opportunity to work and improve them to reduce and prevent crime and to ensure the safety of our people and businesses.
“We are deeply enjoying a cordial relationship with the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the past years, not only here in Bulawayo, but all over Zimbabwe.
“Even in small towns, we are able to provide emergency response. ZRP has always been there for us to support. This project of CCTV installation is a testament of our good and solid working relationship with the Zimbabwe Republic Police.”
“For another year, to reaffirm our commitment to excellence in the private security services, our mission is very clear to safeguard your assets, people and communities.”
Previously, the Bulawayo City Council had announced that Tendy Three Investments (TTI), a parking solutions company would install CCTV cameras in Bulawayo, which initially raised hopes of increased security, it appears the company has been sidelined in favour of Safeguard Security Company.
This switch has raised eyebrows about the reasons for the change and the fate of TTI’s original plans, which has left some to speculate that the company may have been thrown under the bus in favour of the new arrangement.
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