In a bid to strengthen community security in Nkulumane, Honourable Desire Moyo, the Member of Parliament for the constituency, have recently met with square leaders to discuss rising crime concerns in the area.
The discussions focused on issues such as house break-ins, muggings, and drug-related offenses, which have been a growing concern among residents.
While the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were expected to attend, neither were present. However, the meeting resulted in a key resolution: the square leaders will have an official interface meeting with the ZRP, a process facilitated by the Office of the MP.
“We cannot afford to let crime go unchecked in Nkulumane, the leaders have come up with a resolution which is to have an interface meant to iron out some dangling issues with local neighborhood watch leaders,” said Honourable Moyo.
“Our residents are living in fear, with some area known to be crime hotspots and that is unacceptable. This upcoming interface meeting with the police will allow our square leaders to directly engage with law enforcement, raise their concerns, and find solutions together.”
The interface meeting, whose date will be announced soon, aims to provide square leaders with a platform to voice their grievances, which include delayed police response times, difficulties in reporting crime, and the need for stronger community-police relations. The ZRP will also present official crime statistics, offering insights into trends affecting different parts of the constituency. Honourable Moyo emphasized that open dialogue with law enforcement is critical for improving security.
“Our square leaders are on the ground every day, and they understand the security situation better than anyone,” he added. “If we want real change, we must ensure that they have a direct channel to the police to discuss these pressing issues.”
During the meeting, square leaders raised additional concerns about the lack of visible policing and the need for better street lighting in crime hotspots such as Nkulumane 12 and other area. They also pointed out that without active engagement from authorities like the Bulawayo City Council, some security challenges—such as poor infrastructure and unlit areas—will persist.
Honourable Moyo reassured the leaders that while the city council officer was absent, his office would continue pushing for their involvement in future discussions.
“Crime prevention is not just about law enforcement; it requires a multi-stakeholder approach,” he said. “We will ensure that the Bulawayo City Council is part of this conversation because security infrastructure plays a crucial role in making our communities safe.”
Additionally, Honourable Moyo hinted at plans for a broader community engagement platform in the form of a Crime Indaba, which will bring together key stakeholders, including residents, law enforcement, and local authorities. “Once we finalize the details, we will make an announcement,” he stated. “This will be an important event where we outline a roadmap for making Nkulumane a safer constituency.”
As preparations for the interface meeting with the ZRP begin, Honourable Moyo urged square leaders to mobilize their communities to participate in upcoming crime prevention initiatives. He assured residents that the Office of the MP remains committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue between the police and the community.
“This is just the beginning,” Moyo declared. “We are taking concrete steps to ensure that Nkulumane becomes a safer place for all. Through strong partnerships and continued dialogue, we will build a community where criminals have nowhere to hide.”
With the upcoming interface meeting and the Crime Indaba in the pipeline, Nkulumane residents can expect more structured and results-driven engagement on security matters. The Office of the MP will release official dates for these events in due course, ensuring all stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute to shaping a safer community.
