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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi has raised concern over an upsurge in cases of murder and corruption across the district.

She made the remarks during the police annual merit awards held at Lutumba Business Centre recently.

“It is sad to note that the rate of murder cases continues to rise in Beitbridge District where in 2013 we recorded eight cases and had 12 reports last year, this is really sad,” she said.

“People need to respect the sanctity of life.”

Sen Mohadi said in some cases, crime was being fuelled by corrupt members of the public and rogue police officers.

Official figures from the police show that 133 robbery cases were recorded in 2013 in the district in comparison with 132 last year, while those of stocktheft, rape, assaults and housebreaking were on the decline.

Sen Mohadi called for increased community participation in crime-related matters.

“We are worried at the rate at which some members of the community are hiding some of the known dangerous criminals in their homes,” she said.

“It is of paramount importance that we complement the police in their quest to curb crime rather than playing hard ball or giving them bribes.”

Speaking during the same event, police officer responsible for administration in Matabeleland South Assistant Commissioner Mildred Muzzah said police should not be swayed by resource constraints to engage in corrupt activities.

“We will not tolerate corruption in the force,” she said. “Let’s work with what we have and ensure that we live within the confines of the law.”

Beitbridge Crime Consultative Committee chairman Mr Willard Mateveke said the fight against crime and corruption needs an integrated approach.