By Dennis Ndlovu | Zim GBC News
In a bid to enhance community safety and build stronger neighbourhood ties, residents of Sizinda have officially launched the Neighborhood Watch Committee under the theme, Building a Safer Community Together: Activating Our Neighborhood Watch Committee.
The Neighborhood Watch Committee is a program that aims to foster a sense of unity, mutual support, and active participation among residents to improve the overall quality of life. Through collaboration with law enforcement and open communication channels, the committee hopes to address potential crime hotspots and enhance public safety
A contribution of USD$1 each household per month was agreed upon to support the Neighborhood Watch Committee. The funds will be used to provide allowances, uniforms, handcuffs, and baton sticks for the volunteers who will serve as community watchers.
Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Sev Ncube, who is the Bulawayo Community Action Coordinator, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in crime prevention and community well-being.
“This initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting and serving our neighbourhood,” he told residents who gathered for the community meeting in Sizinda
Ncube emphasized that the initiative’s key objectives are crime prevention, community engagement, communication, and education.
“We are focusing on identifying and tackling criminal activity, organizing community events to build cohesion, and providing regular training and updates to residents,” he said.
Ncube detailed a structured Strategy for Execution, highlighting several pillars the committee would rely on to deliver impact. These include recruiting and training volunteers to lead watch activities and designating Block Captains to serve as liaisons between law enforcement and the community.
“We will hold regular meetings to share concerns, updates, and strategies,” he added.
Ncube encouraged residents to take initiative. “Whether it’s attending meetings, volunteering for events, or simply looking out for your neighbors, every effort counts,” he urged.
Community eventssuch as clean-up campaigns, safety fairs, and public forums are also on the agenda, aimed at fostering unity and awareness.
The program will build partnerships with police, businesses, and civic organizations to leverage support and resources.
Tshabalala Police Station representative, Officer Ntale, has expressed the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s (ZRP) commitment to working closely with Sizinda residents in addressing rising criminal activities in the area.
“As the police, we are ready to work hand in hand with the Sizinda community,” said Officer Ntale.
“There is a lot of criminal activity happening in this area some of it reported, some going unreported and we are prepared to deliver what is best for the people.”
Luka Zenas, Chairman of the Sizinda Residents Association, said he believes the newly launched watch committee will help reduce anti-social behavior, particularly among young men who loiter in culverts (small bridges), often under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“I wish and I believe that the Sizinda Neighborhood Watch Committee will work especially to deal with the boys who commonly stay in culverts smoking drugs and drinking alcohol,” said Zenas. “Their number will be reduced.”
He raised concerns about the threat these individuals pose at night when there’s little to no security presence.
“If they are drunk, they become a threat to women, children even men because of their behavior. Through this initiative, I am hopeful that the harassment of residents at night will come to an end,” he added.
Zenas further noted that fear is gripping the community, particularly among women traders.
“Women who used to wake up early to sell at the market now fear robberies. We can’t have a community living in fear,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the program would bring safety and peace back to Sizinda.
“As a community, we are happy and feel that this initiative will help us live in a safer environment,” he concluded.
Sizinda-based disability rights advocate Claudious Shumba has welcomed the launch of the Neighborhood Watch Committee, saying the initiative brings renewed hope for safety and inclusion.
“This initiative brings security to the community,” said Shumba. “As people living with disabilities, we face a higher risk of being targeted, especially during robberies. In areas without electricity, like parts of Sizinda, the danger is even greater.”
He expressed optimism that the presence of street patrols under the Neighborhood Watch program will help deter crime and create a safer environment for vulnerable groups.
Zim GBC News©️2025