By: Peter Kollie| Lofa County Correspondent
Zorzor District, Lofa County – The Zealakpala Town Community Watch Forum is calling on district authorities and other stakeholders to support their crime-fighting efforts with essential security materials, as the group faces significant logistical challenges.
Zealakpala, a booming gold mining town in Zorzor District, has seen improvements in community safety since the establishment of the forum in 2023. According to Commander Patrick Mulbah, the forum was formed in response to rising crime, especially incidents involving individuals returning from mining fields.
“Before the community watch forum was established, there were frequent disturbances in town, mostly caused by people coming from the gold fields,” Commander Mulbah explained. “They would often engage in disorderly conduct, but since we launched this initiative, peace and calm has returned to the town. Residents now go about their daily activities without fear.”
Despite the forum’s success, Commander Mulbah said the group currently lacks basic security tools such as pepper spray, handcuffs, flashlights, and a motorcycle to transport suspects to the Zorzor Police Depot. He emphasized that these items are crucial to the forum’s continued operations and ability to respond to incidents effectively.
The forum began with 18 active members but now has only 10 actively serving. Still, the group maintains a strong working relationship with the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the Zorzor Depot.
“Whenever we apprehend a suspect, we ensure they are handed over to the Liberia National Police for further investigation,” Mulbah said. “Before, suspects would flee because there was no security presence. Now, we are able to hold them until the police arrive or we transport them ourselves.”
He added that the forum is also training new members to expand their coverage and ensure continuity even when current members are unavailable.
Commander Mulbah concluded with an earnest appeal to the Zorzor District authorities: “We are committed to keeping Zealakpala safe, but we need support. We’re calling on our local leaders and partners to help us with the necessary security materials so we can carry out our duties more effectively.”
The Zealakpala Community Watch Forum stands as a grassroots example of how local engagement can combat rural crime, but its continued success hinges on the support of the broader community and leadership.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
