Martin Mawaya
GWERU—River Valley Group has partnered with the police to strengthen security in Hertfordshire Phase Two following a spate of muggings and other criminal activities targeting residents.
The company has deployed its security personnel to work with police in patrolling crime hotspots in the suburb, which is earmarked for transformation into a gated community.
Speaking during a tour of the suburb on Thursday, River Valley Group chief executive officer Ambassador Smelly Dube said residents had been living under siege from criminals, prompting the company to step in and complement police efforts.
“Residents have been under siege from criminals and we cannot sit back and watch,” Dube said.
“We have therefore deployed our well-trained security personnel to patrol identified hotspots in partnership with the police. We want residents to feel safe in their homes and when moving around the neighbourhood.”
Dube warned criminals operating in the area that the security measures would make it harder for them to prey on residents.
“Their days are numbered. We are working with the police to make sure that criminals do not find this area an easy target,” she said.
The move comes as security concerns have previously been raised in Hertfordshire and surrounding northern suburbs.
In May 2024, police reported that a gang armed with machetes, axes and metal rods had targeted homes in Hertfordshire Phase Two.
River Valley plans to replicate the gated community model used at Woodlands Phase Two, where the residential development is enclosed by a perimeter fence and monitored by security personnel.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious people and activities to the police.
“Residents must remain alert and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police before they escalate into criminal incidents,” Mahoko said.
He said the police-private sector partnership was aimed at improving security and compliment community efforts.
“The collaboration is meant to ensure that residents are safe and that criminals do not take advantage of security gaps in the area,” Mahoko said.
The development comes as gated residential communities are increasingly being adopted as a security measure in parts of Gweru, with Woodlands Phase Two already operating under controlled access and security patrols.
