Timely boost for ZRP as President hands over vehicles

August 20, 2021

Hosia Mviringi

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has handed over a fleet of 80 vehicles to the Zimbabwe Republic Police towards the ultimate goal of capacitating the crime prevention function of law enforcement agencies.

Presiding at the hand over ceremony at the Police Moris Depot, President Mnangagwa said that crime by it's nature and various forms retards normal functioning of society, requiring intervention by law enforcement authorities, broader security establishment, citizens and the business community.

"Perpetrators of crime and offenders must thus be firmly dealt with in order to curb crime, deviance and illicit behaviour. Criminals must never be given any breathing space to commit their illegal, immoral and even wicked acts," said the President.

Today's hand over of vehicles to the police comes after the President presented another batch of 50 police cars only a few months ago.

A crime free society is a good environment for freedom of communities, safety of tourists and investors. It is also a good measure of the level of peace enjoyed by citizens and visitors.

Zimbabwe is in a progressive drive to lure back tourists and investors in the aftermath of a devastating Covid-19 pandemic which has adversely affected the world economies.

Businesses have been disrupted due to restricted working periods and a curtailment to movement of people. Thus a concerted effort is needed to restore the confidence of investors and visitors.

Today's vehicle commissioning could not have come at a more appropriate time in the history of crime prevention in Zimbabwe as the nation continues to experience an upsurge in the incidences of violent crimes which are getting sophisticated by the day.

"This particular vehicle fleet I am commissioning today comes at a time when the nation has witnessed a worrying surge in crimes. This fleet should therefore boost the operational effectiveness and visibility of the Zimbabwe Republic Police as it responds to criminal activities and fosters a safe and secure environment for all," the President said.

Lately the police have engaged in battles with armed criminals in Bulawayo and other parts of the country, mostly against organised gangs which use high powered vehicles stolen from South Africa. The police, despite mobility challenges have always risen to the occasion and managed to emerge on top of the situation.

These vehicles will this improve response times to distress calls by members of the public whenever criminal activities have been sighted.

The President has thus promised his government's continued commitment to see a well resourced police force for improved motivation to do their best in their profession.

The President has urged all men and women in uniform to continue to be guided by professional ethics and to maintain highest levels of integrity. He thus promised government's commitment to continue to ruthlessly weed out all bad apples within the force.

"I compel you therefore, to bring all criminals to book, including those within the Police Service. Your own house mist be above reproach. Under the Second Republic, effective policing most be rooted in integrity, commitment to dity, professionalism, accountability, transparency, loyalty and patriotism".

President Mnangagwa commended the officers of the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other Security organs for a sterling job they are doing in enforcing regulations meant to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus. He urged the officers to continue to adhere to World Health Organisation protocols for their own safety and that of their families as the nation continues to match towards flattening of the curve.

President Mnangagwa promised to provide helicopters to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the next two years for aerial surveillance and back up operations for crime detection and prevention units.

"I am alive to the fact that modern day law enforcement requires a wide array of resources beyond the vehicles we are handing over today. In this respect, my administration stands ready to replenish and broaden the various capabilities of the Zimbabwe Republic Police".

The police officers were warned to shun the practice of abusing service vehicles and equipment saying such practices are deplorable and have no place in the Second Republic.