Residents of Epworth North are living in fear as violent muggings and murders surge under the cover of darkness, with efforts to install floodlights in the area yet to yield results.
Epworth Police have reported rising crime statistics, fuelling concerns among locals.
Some interventions have come from Epworth North legislator Zivai Mhetu, who said he has been working “around the clock” to address the growing safety concerns in his constituency.
Mhetu said he has been lobbying telecommunications companies Econet, Telecel, and NetOne since 2023 to assist by installing floodlights on their network booster sites in Epworth North. Despite writing to their Site Acquisition Managers and following up repeatedly, he is yet to receive a conclusive response.
The Epworth North MP engaged NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani, who dispatched engineers to carry out site inspections, but no feedback has been provided. Telecel acknowledged that Epworth has the highest number of its subscribers in Harare, however, said they were unable to assist due to financial challenges. Econet CEO Roy Chimanikire, through his secretary acknowledged receipt of the appeal but is yet to give conclusive response.
“Flood lights are badly needed by the people of Epworth because there are increased cases of muggings and murders. In the meeting, I will give you more background information on the problem and explain why I strongly believe your organisation is the best organization to assist us,” Mhetu wrote in letters to Econet, Telecel and NetOne.
It remains unclear whether the telecommunications companies will act on the request, but their silence comes amid mounting calls for urgent lighting infrastructure in crime hotspots. Residents say the absence of lighting is allowing criminal gangs to operate with impunity.
Mhetu said he remains hopeful the telecom giants will eventually respond, saying, “Our people deserve to feel safe. I will not stop pushing until we see results.”
