By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare Rural, 30 November 2025 – In a powerful fusion of spiritual appeal and law enforcement resolve, police, traditional leaders and church organisations joined forces on Wednesday for a “Crime Gospel Campaign,” launching a united front for safer roads and a drug-free holiday period.
Held at the Chiefs Hall in 22 Miles, the high-stakes meeting was a proactive strike against the seasonal surge in crime and accidents. Officer Commanding Police Mutare Rural District, Chief Superintendent Trymore Matsikesimbe , spearheaded the initiative, calling for a robust partnership between communities and the police to shield vulnerable groups and ensure peace.
Setting a sobering tone for the campaign, Ronald Makaza, Officer of the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) presented a grim statistic: the nation continues to be robbed of approximately 2,000 lives each year in road crashes—a devastating average of five deaths per day.
“Our mission is to safeguard every single road user and drastically reduce these preventable tragedies,” stated Makaza. “The primary culprits remain unchanged: overspeeding and drunk driving. This festive season, we will be deploying breathalysers and strongly discouraging night travel.”
He emphasised that the majority of these crashes are not mere accidents but the direct result of poor choices, and are entirely avoidable with disciplined adherence to road rules.
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Superintendent Matsikesimbe issued a direct appeal to the public to reject criminal behaviour. “We are entering a period that traditionally sees a spike in violence, theft, and irresponsible driving,” he warned. “Drivers must shun overspeeding and the lethal decision to drive under the influence.”
The Chief Superintendent then turned to the scourge of narcotics, declaring an unwavering crackdown. “We are determined to confront the drug epidemic head-on. These substances are destroying the future of our children. Let this be a warning to both suppliers and users: we are coming for you.”
He further highlighted the interconnected crises of drug abuse, which is fuelling mental health issues among the youth, and the persistent plague of gender-based violence in rural and peri-urban communities.
“We also stand firmly against gender-based violence. My office is open to all who wish to report corruption, drug abuse, or GBV,” he assured.
The campaign’s unique “Gospel” component was delivered by Apostle Mhlanga of the Great Light International Church, who infused the gathering with a call for profound moral reckoning. His sermon urged the community to embrace peace, personal accountability, and a collective responsibility for one another’s well-being.
The collaborative spirit was hailed by traditional and church leaders alike, who affirmed that lasting crime prevention is only possible when community structures and law enforcement march in lockstep.
This Crime Gospel Campaign marks a critical step in the police’s ongoing strategy to foster community engagement and pre-empt tragedy during the high-risk festive season.
