Police Mobilise 450 Farmers and Miners in Matabeleland South Crime Awareness Campaign

COLLEEN BAWN, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified community policing efforts in Matabeleland South, mobilising approximately 450 farmers, miners, and workers in Colleen Bawn for a crime awareness campaign aimed at curbing violent crime and promoting compliance with mining regulations.

The campaign, led by Officer Commanding Matabeleland South Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri, brought together key stakeholders from the mining, farming, and business sectors as authorities seek to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and local communities.

The awareness programme focused on several key issues affecting communities in the province, including violent crime, the carrying of dangerous weapons in public, domestic violence, and adherence to mining laws. Addressing participants, Commissioner Phiri stressed that effective crime prevention depends on strong cooperation between police and the communities they serve.

"Working together with farmers, miners and community groups is the only way we can reduce violent crime and enforce mining regulations. We are here to listen and partner with you," she said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by police to address security concerns in mining and farming areas, where disputes, illegal mining activities, and violent incidents have increasingly become a source of concern.

The event attracted representatives from several organisations and community structures, including Women in Mining, the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe, Crime Liaison Committees, and the Community Crime Prevention Network (CCPN). Police said the participation of diverse stakeholders demonstrates the growing recognition that crime prevention requires a collective response involving law enforcement agencies, businesses, community leaders, and residents.

Community policing programmes have become a key strategy for the ZRP, enabling officers to engage directly with residents, identify emerging threats, and encourage public participation in crime prevention efforts.

Commissioner Phiri also warned against the carrying of dangerous weapons in public places and condemned domestic violence, which remains a significant social challenge in many communities.

"Carrying dangerous weapons in public and domestic violence will not be tolerated. We urge communities to report incidents early so that police can intervene before they escalate," she said.

Authorities noted that early reporting of criminal activity is critical in preventing serious offences and improving public safety.

Matabeleland South is home to several mining operations and small-scale mining activities, making compliance with mining regulations an important aspect of maintaining law and order.

Police said awareness campaigns such as the one held in Colleen Bawn are designed to educate miners about legal requirements while also addressing criminal activities that sometimes occur in mining communities.

The ZRP has pledged to continue working closely with farmers, miners, businesses, and residents to create safer communities and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement. Officials say ongoing engagement with communities will remain central to efforts aimed at reducing crime and improving security across the province.

Matabeleland South crime awareness campaign