‘Embrace community policing’
POLICE in Matabeleland North have implored members of the public to embrace community policing as part of complementing their efforts in fighting crime and protecting lives and property.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said crime can be overcome if police work together with the community at all levels.
He was speaking at the Victoria Falls Agricultural Show on Saturday where Zimbabwe Republic Police was voted best exhibitor in the security category and overall winner for the display.
The ZRP displays fascinated hundreds of Victoria Falls residents who thronged Chinotimba Stadium for 6th edition of the expo.
For the better part of the day, the police stand attracted a lot of people who marvelled at the displays and knowledge displayed at the information desk.
Police on bikes and two sniffer dogs, which demonstrated how they sniff and hunt for criminals were the crowd pullers.
For their efforts the ZRP won US$1 000 from the show organisers.
Insp Banda said such activities are meant to promote relations between the police and the community
“Police are not only there to arrest. We are working hand in hand with various stakeholders including the business community and members of public to combat crime and we call upon people to embrace community policing where we have programme of patrolling around and taking care of property as part of our community policing,” he said.
Lately, the country has been recording a surge in cases of burglary and armed robberies.
In Victoria Falls members of the public work with police to protect tourists through tourism police, a section of ZRP comprising police and members of the public.
“Yes, criminal activities are there which is why we always work with members of the community especially through the neighbourhood watch committee. We also exhibit at public events where we interact with people and raise awareness about the need to abide by the law,” said Insp Banda.
“We want to appeal to our beloved citizens to embrace community policing as this has proven to be the best way of enhancing relationship between us as police and the community. People should report cases or any suspicions and they can do so by contacting police stations or using various methods like suggestion boxes.”
HEALTH experts have warned that some people may suffer heat-stroke caused by high temperatures being experienced in the country, if they do not take precautions.
The experts said the extreme temperatures, which are normal during summer, can cause tyre bursts that can lead to serious traffic accidents.
They said members of the public should drink plenty of water, stay out of direct sunlight and avoid alcohol, energy drinks, carbonated drinks with sugar and drinks with caffeine.
They should consider eating light meals and avoid having large quantities of meals in one sitting.
Zimbabwe for the past few days has been experiencing high temperatures, with some cities even ranking above 30 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) head of forecasting Mr James Ngoma said: “The rise in the temperatures is normal, since we are coming out of the winter season getting into summer. That is the reason why the change in temperatures is being felt.”
He advised people to wear sunscreen and keep hydrated during this time.
“People should not be outdoors for long. From 10am to 3pm they should not be exposed to direct sunlight,” said Mr Ngoma.
According to the MSD, the highest temperature today will be in Gwanda at 39 degrees Celsius followed by Bulawayo at 37 degrees Celsius.
Mpilo Central Hospital acting chief executive officer Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said heat waves are mostly associated with heat-stroke.
“The heat waves can worsen chronic health conditions such as heart conditions especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly,” he said.
Prof Ngwenya urged the general public to stay indoors and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
Elderly people, Prof Ngwenya said, are the worst affected by the rise in temperatures so they should be well looked after.
“Motorists should avoid unnecessary travelling as extreme heat waves can cause burst tyres causing road traffic accidents that could land people in hospitals and worse even take their lives,” he said.
In November 2015, temperatures in Matabeleland provinces broke records set 60 years ago. In Matabeleland North, Tsholotsho recorded 40 degrees Celsius to break the 1993 record of 39,3 degrees Celsius.
Other records tumbled in Bulawayo. Bulawayo’s Joshua Nkomo International
Airport recorded 38 degrees Celsius breaking the 37,7 degrees Celsius registered in 1990. Bulawayo Goetz Observatory station also registered 38 degrees, breaking a 37,4 degrees Celsius record for 1990.
In Matabeleland South, Beitbridge recorded 44 degrees Celsius, just below the 44,4 degrees Celsius last recorded in 1941 and 1997.
West Nicholson recorded 42,4 degrees Celsius in 1955, but the record was broken over the weekend when the area registered 42,5 degrees Celsius.
The MSD revealed that temperatures recorded at the time averaged between 33 and 43 degrees Celsius nationwide, while the highest temperatures documented in the past 60 years ranged between 35 and 41 degrees Celsius. — @pepezinc