Wanted Persons: Easing the problem of crime

17 Mar, 2017 - 00:03 0 Views
Wanted Persons: Easing the problem of crime

The ManicaPost

Luxson Chananda
VERY often, police have engaged the citizenry in various ways in an effort to rid communities of the scourge called crime. We applaud the public for reciprocating this effort by constantly exhibiting willingness to participate in all proactive policing schemes and initiatives.

I welcome you back to this column that had taken a sabbatical, but is now back and set to run full throttle for the year 2017. We will always remind you that crime is a shared responsibility and this is the reason why the Zimbabwe Republic Police will leave no stone unturned in its bid to bring lasting solutions to our crime problems.

This week we focus on people who are wanted by the police, aptly termed “Wanted Person”. What is a wanted person, one might ask?

A wanted person from a police perspective is that person who has had a criminal offence reported and recorded against him or her and is required to assist in investigations. The prime objective of such an investigation will be to secure sufficient evidence so as to either clear the accused person of any wrong doing or bring about prosecution in a court of law. A person becomes a wanted person through any of the following ways:-

A person who has had a criminal case reported against him or her as in the scenario cited above.

A person who is warned in a court of law to appear in the court on a future date and fails to turn up on the day in question as directed.

A person who escapes from police or other lawful custody e.g. from prison when their case is still pending at court or whilst serving a prison term.

Handling of Wanted Persons

Every police station maintains a wanted person list which is also made available to the public by pinning it up on police receptions/ charge office. The Criminal Intelligence Unit (CIU) is a police department which maintains a record of all wanted persons, their pictures and profiles for future reference and use by the police or interested/concerned members of the public.

It is important for the general public to know which persons from their areas are wanted by the police as this greatly reduces criminal activity by enhancing their chances of identification and subsequent elimination.

Elimination of wanted persons from our areas means police will be able to concentrate on other policing matters particularly to do with prevention rather than reacting to instances of crime.

How a person ceases to be a wanted person

It is important to note that the only way one can relieve him/herself of the burden of being always on the run is by presenting themselves to the police to allow the due process of the law to take its course. Warrants of arrest are cancelled by the court that issued them upon the accused person’s appearance in court. It is for the individual’s good to regain their freedom by co-operating with law enforcement agency.

The public can assist in this regard by developing keen interest in knowing the wanted persons who reside in their area and supplying information on the presence of the wanted persons to the police. They can get in touch with their local police station or pass messages through suggestion boxes, WhatsApp or any other mode of communication of their choice.

The Press and Public Relations will keep you updated on the names and information pertaining to people who are wanted in your areas of residence from time to time. Below are some of the people who have been waylaying unsuspecting members of the public and making off with their hard earned cash and other property:-

1. Nhamo Njiyo wanted by Mutare Central Tel. Number 020-64286/64212

Offence: Fraud

Mode of Operation; – Nhamo is a male adult of no fixed abode who operates mainly in the CBD targeting people suspected to be having cash on them or those people who are getting cash from banks. He often disguises as a well-wisher who has goods for donation that he wants the victim(s) to help in offloading from a vehicle for a reward. During the discussions, he entices them to surrender their cash in envelopes for safekeeping. He then switches the envelopes and hands back another containing sheaves of ordinary paper and makes off with the victim’s money.

2. Norest Rakabopa wanted by Mutare Central Tel. Number 020-64286/64212

Offence: Fraud

Mode of operation; – Norest targets people requiring assistance in accessing their money at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). He moves along with dysfunctional bank cards and on rendering assistance to victims he hands the victim the useless card and takes away his or her card. Now knowing the PIN number, he goes to shops and makes purchases requesting cash backs.

The police are therefore urging bank tellers and till operators to strictly verify the identity of the card holder before processing any transaction involving bank cards.

Norest also employs tricks like those used by Nhamo Njiyo and usually targets the area between Mutare Museum and Civic Centre for picking his victims.

3. Francisco Gaba wanted by Mutare Central Tel. Number 020-64286/64212

Offence: Unlawful Entry

Mode of Operation:- Targets residential areas especially low-density suburbs where he steals mostly electrical gadgets such as flat TV screens, laptops, microwaves and in a number of cases, cash.

He has a Mozambican accent and is suspected to be operating from Mozambique where he disposes off the stolen property.

4.Alous Rupando (ZRP Sakubva)020-64717/60902

Offence: Theft

Last Known Address: 46 Chisamba Singles, Sakubva, Mutare.

Description: Dark in complexion

Tall and has a round face. Has a tattoo on upper left arm.

He snatches valuables e.g. cash and cellphones from unsuspecting victims.

5.Oliver Chewada (24) ZRP Sakubva)020-64717/60902

Offence: Robbery

Last Known Address: 333 Maonde, Sakubva, Mutare

Description: Light skinned with pimples all over the face. Slim built and medium height.

Mode of operation; – always arms himself with a knife and uses bushy areas as hideouts and attacking zones for his victims.

Have a blessed and crime free week.

Inserted by – ZRP Press and Public Relations Manicaland Province

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