By Dennis Ndlovu | Zim GBC News<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis initiative is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting and serving our neighbourhood,\u201d he told residents who gathered for the community meeting in Sizinda<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ncube emphasized that the initiative’s key objectives are crime prevention, community engagement, communication, and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are focusing on identifying and tackling criminal activity, organizing community events to build cohesion, and providing regular training and updates to residents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe will hold regular meetings to share concerns, updates, and strategies,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ncube encouraged residents to take initiative. \u201cWhether it\u2019s attending meetings, volunteering for events, or simply looking out for your neighbors, every effort counts,\u201d he urged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Community eventssuch as clean-up campaigns, safety fairs, and public forums are also on the agenda, aimed at fostering unity and awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program will build partnerships with police, businesses, and civic organizations to leverage support and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tshabalala Police Station representative, Officer Ntale, has expressed the Zimbabwe Republic Police\u2019s (ZRP) commitment to working closely with Sizinda residents in addressing rising criminal activities in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs the police, we are ready to work hand in hand with the Sizinda community,\u201d said Officer Ntale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d said Zenas. \u201cTheir number will be reduced.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He raised concerns about the threat these individuals pose at night when there’s little to no security presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zenas further noted that fear is gripping the community, particularly among women traders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWomen who used to wake up early to sell at the market now fear robberies. We can\u2019t have a community living in fear,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He expressed optimism that the program would bring safety and peace back to Sizinda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a community, we are happy and feel that this initiative will help us live in a safer environment,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis initiative brings security to the community,\u201d said Shumba. \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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