Rising Minestone crime vexes police

Pini Bothoko | Wednesday February 17, 2016 15:41

Addressing residents recently, Central Police assistant station commander, Assistant Superintendent Onias Madziba described Minestone as one of the most crime-prone spots in his policing area, adding that cases were on the march.

“Minestone is where thugs waylay both motorists and pedestrians who are visiting the Galo Mall,” he said.

“Statistics indicate that Penal Code offences, which include break-ins, robberies, game of chances for example playing of cards, drug abuse among others are on the rise in the location.”

He also cited the illegal sale of alcohol as one of the common offences in the area, saying this particular crime fuels other offences.

“We have been fighting crime in this area for a long time, but there is no improvement and this concerns us.  Some of you here sell drugs like marijuana, but when we come on patrols we always fail to retrieve such drugs,” said Madziba.

He said that marijuana is the most commonly used drug by youths and called on parents to be on the lookout for signs of its use by their children.

Madziba also urged young people to avoid being perpetrators of serious crimes as they attract heavy prison sentences, which may negatively impact on their future. Madziba said Minestone’s closeness to the city attracts a large number of people some of whom have bad motives, adding that the high level of crime could scare away potential investors.

“Police are working round the clock to come up with strategies to stabilise crime rates and stamp out bad behaviour from the area,” Madziba said.

“We have improved our communications systems and also enhanced the turn around time for reports.”

Madziba called on residents to cooperate with police and come up with effective strategies that could remedy the situation.

He said crime could be tackled more effectively if law-abiding citizens, who are in the majority, could unite against the minority who commit it.

Residents pleaded with police to partner with by-law enforcement officers to raid illegal business operators in their location.

Odirile Othusitse said businesses such as car washes, shebeens and others, operate without trade licenses and fuel crime. Others said that such businesses have become centres of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and other crimes.