Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reaffirmed the media’s role as a key stakeholder in effective policing, stressing the need for sustained professional cooperation and a review of the existing framework guiding engagement between the two institutions.
Journalists from Masvingo Province on Thursday engaged senior police officials during a dialogue convened by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving information sharing between the police and the media.
The engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between the media and the police, the need to review the existing action plan, and enhancing information sharing in the interest of public safety.
“This meeting is now part of our traditional meetings with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and we continue to see an improved working relationship between the two parties. Today we had an opportunity to discuss some of the topical issues affecting the community, and ways we can collaborate to serve public interests through publishing or broadcasting verified news,” Passmore Kuzipa said.
“As journalists, we welcome this platform, as it enhances regular dialogue, thereby helping in addressing operational challenges, improving mutual understanding and ensuring the public receives verified information. We discussed our role in fighting crimes like the increasing cases of murder in the he programme province, drug and substance abuse and robbery cases,” Sukoluhle Ndlovu said.
ZRP National Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the engagement is part of a long-standing tradition aimed at strengthening cooperation between journalists and the police, while promoting professionalism, accuracy and responsible reporting.
“As ZRP, we understand that effective collaboration with the media enhances transparency, builds public trust and supports crime prevention efforts through timely and accurate dissemination of information. We continue to engage and collaborate, hence we were discussing the existing five-year action plan between the two parties, which we feel now needs review in terms of engaging other stakeholders like politicians and community leadership,” he said.
The engagement concluded with a shared understanding that continuous dialogue between the police and the media is key to strengthening accountability and effective communication.
