The ManicaPost
Wiseman Briane Chinyoka
THE persistent occurrence of murder cases in the province prompts the police to continuously take the topic to the people now and again.
In the past edition of this column, we defined what murder is. We also looked at other forms of murder and factors that influence the commission of murder in addition to preventative measures to combat murder cases. Police in Manicaland Province, however, take an opportunity to applaud the conceited efforts by our traditional leaders and other stakeholders in educating the general populace on the value of human life.
This week, ZRP re-visits factors that influence the commission of murder cases and preventative measures that can be taken.
Family Disputes
Most murder cases are emanating from extra-marital affairs and sheer jealous especially among people in estranged marriages. In most of the cases, couples and ex-lovers are involved in clashes which mostly result in serious injuries and unnecessary loss of lives. The social media has taken a leading role in contributing to the occurrence of murder cases especially those emanating from domestic violence. Problems arise between couples especially where one fails to clarify the origin and nature of content sent or received through whatsapp.
A holistic approach in amicably settling these disputes therefore needs to be adopted. Couples or families should always seek professional counseling by means of third parties, traditional, religious or leaders or the police through the office of the Community Relations and Liaison Officers.
Minor Misunderstandings at beer drinks
It is disheartening to note that brawls at drinking halls and other places of entertainment are resulting in loss of human life. Loss of self control over petty issues like spilling of one’s beer, personalizing sitting bar stools and comparison of the value of beer has resulted in serious fights leading to murder.
People should therefore try by all means to have self control especially on resolving petty issues.
Ownership of Mining Sites
There have been a number of incidences recorded by police where people fight for over access to concessions. Relevance can be given to areas like Penhalonga, Mutare where fights resulting in murder case are occurring; fights are arising on who owns the mining site and who possesses the requisite documents over the site. Illegal gold panners have turned out to be a law unto themselves as they do not hesitate to turn their panning equipment on each other when disputes occur.
While the police have been on record urging people to do away with illegal mining activities and those keen on mining to follow procedures required to do proper mining, residents of areas where the activities are common should report all illegal panning to police. They should also not harbour illegal panners (magweja) for any reason.
Wanton use and possession of dangerous weapons
The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Mutare Central, Muatre Rural, Rusape and Nyanga Police districts has issued a Temporary Prohibition Order in terms of section 14(1) of the Public Order and Security Act, Chapter 11:17 for the period from April 2017 to July 2017, following the wanton use or possession of dangerous weapons like catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords/knives and iron bars. These have been used to commit murder.
ZRP appeals to the public to take note and comply with these orders in an endeavor to maintain peace and security in our nation.
The ZRP is disturbed by an upsurge in murder cases especially in Rusape area where victims of murder are found dead without a clue as to who the perpetrator is. We therefore take this opportunity to discourage the public from using secluded places when moving alone at night. It is also important to use public transport when traveling at night.
Let us all play our party and value the sanctity of human life.
Inserted by – ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
