Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged newly graduated police officers to be relentless in tackling criminal networks linked to drug and substance abuse, warning that Zimbabwe will not surrender its young people to the growing menace.
Addressing 999 recruits at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) graduation ceremony at ZRP Ntabazinduna Academy on Thursday, the President said drug routes, supply chains, and kingpins must be dismantled without fear or favour.
“I challenge you, the graduating class, to be relentless in fighting criminal activities and deviant behaviour associated with drug and substance abuse,” he said. “Drug routes, supply and demand chains, over and above, the drug lords and kingpins should be expunged, without fear or favour.”
He added: “We will never surrender our children and young adults to the menace of drug and substance abuse. Police officers should never be found using or facilitating the use, sale or movement of drugs and harmful substances.”
The graduation of the 999 recruit police officers marks their formal induction into active police service following the completion of a comprehensive training programme. President Mnangagwa described the occasion as both a celebration and a call to duty.
“This gathering marks the end of a comprehensive training programme of the cadets and the beginning of their sacred journey as steadfast defenders of the peace, law and order,” he said.
He said the intake underscores the government’s commitment to national security as a pillar of economic transformation under Vision 2030.
“The graduation of these new nine hundred and ninety-nine recruit police officers further demonstrates the unwavering obligation of my administration to ensure peace, security, and public safety across the country, as critical ingredients for the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said.
The President said the country’s economic growth, rising investment, and increased international traffic demanded a modern and agile police service capable of responding to emerging threats, including cybercrime and terrorism.
“You have joined the police force at a time when the broader global environment is undergoing seismic geopolitical shifts,” he said. “All this demands a Police Service that is modern, agile, and robust to best respond to the new challenges and harness emerging opportunities.”
He urged the officers to build public trust through transparency and community partnerships, stressing that crime reduction must involve collaborative problem-solving and the use of new technologies.
“Building public trust and community partnerships, while reducing crime through transparent, collaborative problem-solving measures involving communities, using new technologies, is now of critical importance,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the ZRP for maintaining inclusivity, noting that women constituted 30 percent of the graduating class.
“Female recruits are standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside their male counterparts, constituting thirty percent of the total graduands,” he said. “Congratulations, Makorokoto, Amhlophe.”
He described the ZRP as a “People’s Police Force” representative of all communities and said hosting the ceremony in Matabeleland North reflected the government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda.
“Holding this national event here in Matabeleland North Province is testament to the ZRPS adherence to our people-centred Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda,” he said. “No one and no place must be left behind.”
The President said the training curriculum undertaken by the recruits was forward-looking and aligned with national development goals.
“Innovation and adaptability in the training modules offered must be continuous, so that the ZRP remains equipped to effectively play its role under the National Development Strategy 2 and the pursuit of Vision 2030 and beyond,” he said.
He assured the force of continued government support in resourcing, tools, equipment, and improved conditions of service.
“As we fortify national borders and the internal security ecosystem, let us be persistently vigilant against all enemies within and beyond,” he said.
From Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, the President called for officers who are patriotic, loyal, skilled, and committed to professional service delivered with humility and selflessness.
The 999 graduates now join the police service at a time when authorities are intensifying multi-agency efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking, which the government has identified as a growing threat to national stability and youth development.
