By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, September 12, Mana: Chitipa Police Station has launched a community neighborhood watch programme to help fight crime in the district.

Speaking during the programme launch on Thursday in Chitipa, Chitipa District Commissioner, MacMillan Magomero hailed the station for launching the programme saying it will help enhance community safety by fostering a strong partnership between law enforcers and the residents.

Magomero said the neighborhood watch programme is vital as it empowers communities to take part in protecting their areas.

"The initiative is important as it empowers residents to take an active role in protecting their neighborhoods. We will be excited to see the positive and fruitful impact the initiative will bring after this launch," Magomero said.

The station’s officer-in-charge, Senior Superintendent Joshua Mazengera said communities needed to be vigilant in helping curb crime in the district.

"This programme aims at fostering a sense of collective responsibility among neighbor’s, promoting the safety and security of the entire community and as such being vigilant and supportive, participants can help deter criminal activity and enhance the neighborhood’s overall objective," Mazengera said.

He also said working together and being vigilant would help create a conducive business environment which would eventually help spur development in the district.

On his part, Senior Chief Mwabulambya said a strong partnership between the community and law enforcers is key to maintaining a safe and secure district.

He then appealed to the selected neighborhood members to work professionally and be exemplary.

The neighborhood watch programme is a community-driven programme where residents work together to monitor and report any suspicious activities to the police.

About 60 neighbourhood watch members were selected in 20 villages with each village contributing three neighbourhood representatives under the area of GVH Mkombanyama in Senior Chief Mwabulambya.