The District Police Officer-ln-charge, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Owen Maganga revealed this on Wednesday during the Station Executive Committee meeting.

"Our records indicate that the first six months of last year, we had 741 cases and the same period this year we have registered 678 cases, representing an 8.5% decrease," said Maganga.

He also said another good news is the decrease of defilement cases from 35 last year between January and June to 32 the same period this year.

However, Maganga was worried with the increase of theft cases and mob justice.

"Between January and June this year, we recorded 203 theft offences, yet the same period last year we registered 143 cases and our research has established that the cases have increased because of poverty that has been aggravated by the Tropical Cyclone Freddy and some people were stealing property of their friends just to meet their needs," said Maganga.

He said it is very important for each police formation to have an oversight committee which will be working with the police in raising awareness on the negative effects of mob justice.

Senior Chief Mthiramanja, who is also chairperson of the District Peace Committee asked the law enforcers to refrain from bad behaviours which might tarnish their image and profession.

"Let me commended you, police for your dedication which has resulted in the reduction of criminal cases in the district despite having meagre resources," said the Senior Chief.

During the meeting, Mr. Maganga disclosed that communities in Mathambi have mobilized some resources to construct Mathambi Police Unit which was ransacked by angry villagers last year and he said once it is completed, officers will be deployed to the unit.