Police have warned residents against hiring private security companies to patrol in their suburbs as that could expose them to more criminals, but rather form neighbourhood watch committees, the Chronicle reported.
Addressing the Provincial Crime Liaison Committee chairpersons on Wednesday, officer Commanding Bulawayo Province Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, said:
We have heard some reports that some communities within Bulawayo are contemplating employing private security companies to patrol their residential areas.
While it may seem a good idea, the risks may be more than the intended benefits. Such patrols might introduce more criminals to your areas.
Some criminals might even take advantage of the situation and invade the community even more.
This is why we say let us meet and plan together on how the initiatives can be strengthened, empowered and invigorated to do the job.
In 2022, residents of Lobengula West suburb hired a private security company to patrol their suburb, with residents contributing US$7 per household each month.
Part of the money was going to the company while the other was going to a community fund.