BULAWAYO residents have expressed fear over rampant acts of terror and violence that continue to rock parts of the city, mostly perpetrated by machete gangs that have descended on the city.
Community leaders and citizens are calling for urgent intervention by law enforcement agents to curb the escalating insecurity.
Last week, some people were hospitalised after they were attacked by machete gangs with some of the victims suffering severe cuts on their heads, legs and hands.
In an interview, Bulawayo United Residents Association chairperson Winos Dube said residents were horrified.
“The harassment is too much. I am now genuinely worried and concerned and it feels as if we are living among terrorists. We are wondering what law enforcement and the system at large is doing to stop this because it is clearly getting out of hand,” he said.
Dube said despite residents providing information to the police, very little appeared to have been done in response, leaving communities in fear.
“There must be a law that accommodates anyone with knowledge of these violent individuals to report them to the police,” he said.
Dube called on the public to be extra-cautious and move in groups if necessary since the situation is serious and extremely worrying.
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Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association provincial secretary for administration, Thabani Ndlovu, expressed disappointment over recent police remarks dismissing the incidents.
“I am disappointed in the law enforcement agents' statements dismissing reports of machete gang attacks. Just last week, I attended the funeral of one of the victims. It was heart breaking,” he said.
Ndlovu said during a community meeting in Entumbane last week, residents indicated that they saw victims of machete violence, adding that the local councillor confirmed the incidents.
“The law (enforcement agents) need to take the public seriously and revisit their stance. Ignoring the voices of the community is only adding to its fear and frustration,” he said.
Ndlovu said in light of such incidents, community leaders were urging residents to be vigilant and proactive.
“I urge each of the communities to form neighbourhood watches and work together. Communities must come together and put street lights just like Mpopoma residents, this will protect those who move at dawn and at night,” he said.
One of the residents, Blessing Makonye, said he was living in fear as the situation was getting out of hand, adding that he would appreciate it if the law enforcement agents acted fast before everyone was killed by the gangs.
