Story by Wellington Makonese
GOVERNMENT investment in modernising the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and improving officers’ welfare is strengthening the force’s capacity to combat drug syndicates, violent crime and other emerging security threats, with more than 7 700 drug-related arrests recorded over the past year.
The arrests were made between June last year and June this year as police intensified operations targeting drug trafficking and abuse. Separate nationwide crackdowns have also resulted in thousands of arrests involving armed robbery, murder and other serious offences.
Speaking at the official opening of the Officer Commanding Midlands Sports Gala in Gweru, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said continued Government support was improving the operational effectiveness of the police.
“This very programme aligns with Government’s vision on re-engineering the police through sport,” he said.
“I commend His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for the support system to bolster police operations, including the Highway Patrol and traffic management systems. I also applaud the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the strides made in reducing drug-related crimes, murder cases and bringing dangerous criminals to justice.”
The sports gala, which features several sporting disciplines, forms part of the ZRP’s programme to enhance officers’ physical fitness, mental resilience and operational readiness.
Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Midlands Province Commissioner Stephen Nyabadza said sport played an important role in preparing officers for the demands of policing.
“This is a critical period on our calendar that ensures we have a police force ready for the task at hand. We convene through sport to shape fitness, both physically and mentally,” he said.
Officers taking part in the competition said physical fitness was essential in helping them respond effectively to crime while strengthening engagement with communities.
“Our experiences in sport keep us in shape for our daily duties. This is one area that brings us closer to the community as we interact with civilians and strengthen relations,” one officer said.
Another officer added: “Our work is a constant cat-and-mouse game with criminals, so physical fitness is essential.”
A third participant said sport also contributed to officers’ wellbeing.
“Sport refreshes our minds and allows us to mix and interact outside the pressures of policing,” the officer said.
The provincial competition also serves as a talent identification platform for the Commissioner-General’s Sports Gala, where athletes are selected to represent the Zimbabwe Republic Police at regional and international police sporting competitions.
