Chief Nyangazonke from Kezi in Matobo District has slammed some police officers in his area for allegedly drinking alcohol with locals while on duty saying their conduct is contributing to an increase in violent crimes in the area.
The chief said some police officers were fuelling lawlessness and urged their superiors to investigate their conduct.
“We’ve incidents where the police are drinking beer with members of the public while they’re on duty. This has resulted in the police being disrespected by the locals and in light of the stabbing incidents occurring in Kezi, it won’t be long before we witness a fight between a police officer and a member of the public during these beer drinking sprees,” said Chief Nyangazonke.
 |
| On-duty cops drink beer with locals: Chief Nyangazonke |
Chief Nyangazonke said the concerned police officers do not engage traditional leaders where necessary.
“Those in stations should link up with the local leadership so that we fight crime together. However, you’ll find that police officers don’t even recognise you as a chief while operating under your jurisdiction. The situation is so disheartening,” said Chief Nyangazonke.
“The police should engage with chiefs in solving crime but somehow they keep their investigations far from us.”
He called for more police patrols in Kezi due to violent crimes noting that last year, three people were killed in fights over women.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele said he was not aware of the claims made by Chief Nyangazonke.
He said police officers were, however, expected to behave professionally to earn the trust of communities.
Insp Ndebele said officers deployed in new areas are also supposed to engage traditional leaders as they start their duties.
“We encourage them to visit the traditional leaders as this strengthens the concept of community policing. I can’t comment on claims being made by the Chief but I will follow up on the matter with him tomorrow,” said Insp Ndebele.
