Elliot Jinjika
CHIVHU – Residents in Chivhu have expressed deep concern over rampant theft cases happening in the small town, saying the crime wave needed to be seriously addressed.
A number of cases related to theft have been reported recently with some thieves being caught red-handed at Liebenberg High School and other places that have come to be seen as soft targets.
A thief was caught by a security officer stealing Delta Beverages property recently while Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) cables were last week stolen during the night in residential stands near the CBD, leaving some residents in the dark for almost two days.
Two suspected criminals who were using master keys to open cars were recently caught after escaping with a laptop and two cell phones from a vehicle parked at Pick n Pay and a resident lost precious possessions after burglars gained access into his house.
“Thieves are giving us fear and you hear cases of theft every day. It seems to be getting worse and I expect law enforcement to be beefed up,” said one resident.
A staff member at Liebenberg High School also said the school was almost often being targeted for its property.
“Teachers at our school have lost their cash, clothing and their maize fields are also easy prey for thieves,” said the staff member.
Another resident said the police must increase patrols in residential areas during the night and in all poorly lit areas.
“Critical infrastructure like electric cables must not be stolen at all so the police must make sure that they identify vulnerable areas with important installations and increase their patrols there,” said the resident.
No comment could immediately be obtained from authorities though the police are believed to be equally worried by the crime wave.local
