RISING criminal activity in Mhongolo ward of Kahama municipality, have-pooled resources to rent a house for a police station, tired of being victims of a persistent crime wave.

Janeth Magomi, the regional police commander formally inaugurated the station, hailing the residents’ initiative as worthy of emulating by other wards to bring police services closer to the people.

Asserting that the government cannot address all issues on its own, she promise to deploy officers to tackle the rising crime wave, appealing to officers to engage directly with the community to address various challenges, not waiting for district or other officials to intervene.

  She assured the community that The regional command would pay attention to the new station to ensure it is provided with capacity for essential services such as case filing, night patrols and hands on support for victims of crime.

Lack of security fall back prompted local residents to pool resources and rent a house for a small police station, with several residents, including Sharifu Said, expressed concerns about the security situation in the area, during the launch.

They reported incidents of thieves breaking into homes at night, and at times, even robbing shops. Drug use, particularly cannabis, has also become commonplace significant issue.

 Having a police station in the area would assist in tackling crimes and ease the fear of losing property or being hurt, being able to open shops till late evening or early night, instead of close their shops early to avoid attacks.

There was also fear of robbing them of their earnings on their way home, they said, while Magembe Chimu, the chairman of the local business association, said that every resident had contributed to the renting of the house for a police station, donating towards its rent that was paid for a year.

He stated that there had been numerous thefts in the area, including break-ins at homes and business stalls, as well as incidents where women had their handbags and phones pulled away at night.

Anitha Ngeiyamu, the ward executive officer, explained that the idea of setting up the station came after growing concerns among residents and traders about escalating crime. 

The nearest police station was consulted and gave approval for the residents’ initiative, she added.