Bruce Chahwanda
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday challenged 999 newly graduated police officers to help build a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) “brand we can all be proud of”, warning that the force has no room for corruption or misconduct.
Addressing recruits at their graduation ceremony at ZRP Ntabazinduna Academy, the President said officers must safeguard public trust and reflect a security service aligned with national development goals.
“Go out there and help build a ZRP brand we can all be proud of in our march towards the realisation of a prosperous future,” he said.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and indeed the entire security establishment has no place for rotten apples. You are the custodians of our collective trust, hope and confidence.”
A total of 999 recruits graduated from the academy, marking the successful completion of their training and their formal induction into active police service.
President Mnangagwa stated that peace, unity, and security are fundamental to Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory and industrialization drive.
“Peace, unity and security are fundamental pre-requisites for accelerated sustainable industrialisation and modernisation,” he said, urging the police and broader security sector to “guard and promote the ongoing development trajectory”.
He warned that criminal syndicates and economic crimes would not be tolerated.
“Criminal syndicates of any kind should never find sanctuary within our jurisdiction. All forms of deviant behaviour, such as corruption, fraud, and money laundering, should be expunged, while perpetrators of gender-based violence must be timely prosecuted towards a crime-free Zimbabwe.”
Turning to road safety, the President directed the ZRP and road traffic agencies to urgently modernise enforcement systems to curb reckless driving and fatalities.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police and other road traffic agencies are directed to urgently deploy contemporary technologies, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, drones, surveillance cameras, and electronic ticketing to increase efficiency and safety along all transport corridors,” he said.
“Recklessness and aggressive driving that often rob us of precious lives must be met with the necessary weight and force of the law.”
He also called on citizens to play their part in restoring discipline on the country’s roads. “Citizens are called upon to obey traffic laws and play their part to restore order and accountability on our roads.”
The President urged closer coordination within the criminal justice system, applauding existing cooperation between the police, prosecution authorities, and the judiciary.
“The synergies and united front that exist between the Police Service, Prosecution Authorities and Judiciary is applauded. More must be done towards joint and complementary staff capacities and delivering quality services in our Criminal Justice System.”
He emphasised a “Whole of Government and Society Approach”, saying the security apparatus must facilitate — not frustrate — national policies and programmes.
“As the ZRP, you must aid positive results throughout the socio-economic arena and help reflect our national ‘Brand Zimbabwe’. Zimbabwe must continue to be a safe investment destination as well as a safe place to visit, live and work.”
Addressing the graduands directly, President Mnangagwa urged integrity and professionalism in the face of temptation.
“Integrity is what you do when no one is looking,” he said. “The journey ahead will test your conduct, honesty and professionalism. In the face of temptation, stand firm and forthright, acting in accordance with the dictates of our national Constitution and the Police Service Charter.”
He reminded the recruits that nation-building was a collective responsibility. “Be known as part of those who are building our country, not those tearing it down.”
The 999 officers now join the national police service as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen internal security, modernise law enforcement, and reinforce Zimbabwe’s standing as a safe destination for investment and growth.
