Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner-General’s Welfare Fund is transforming the lives of families of officers who die in the line of duty, providing education support to hundreds of children while appealing for more resources to meet growing demand.
Although the shooting spree involving former police detective Jaison Muvevi, which dominated headlines between November 2022 and January 2023, has faded from public attention, its impact continues to be felt by the families of the officers who lost their lives.
The widow of the late Officer Commanding Wedza District, Inspector Maxwell Hove, Mrs Nelia Shava Hove, recalled the hardship her family faced after his death.
“He passed away on 13 January 2023. I was left with three children. We were devastated by his death, but the Commissioner-General’s Welfare Fund stepped in, especially to pay school fees. My eldest child is now a pharmacy technician at Parirenyatwa,” she said.
The fund has also helped Natasha Chininga, who lost her father in 2014 and is now studying Cyber Security and Forensic Auditing at the University of Zimbabwe.
“In 2014, I lost my father and it was a very difficult time for my family. The Commissioner-General’s Welfare Fund stepped in and paid my school fees from Grade Five. I am currently studying Cyber Security and Forensic Auditing at the University of Zimbabwe,” she said.
To strengthen the fund, the ZRP recently hosted a golf tournament aimed at mobilising additional resources for bereaved families.
Deputy Commissioner-General of Police Dr Elliot Ngirandi said the fund, established on 18 October 2006 through a notarial deed, supports the surviving spouses and children of deceased police officers, with a particular focus on education.
“Currently, the fund has 365 beneficiaries, of whom 187 are in primary school and 178 are in secondary school. At present, only 20 beneficiaries have their school fees fully covered. The remaining 345 children continue to await assistance due to limited financial resources. I therefore appeal to sponsors, corporate organisations, well-wishers and every participant to support this noble cause,” he said.
Businessman Dr Leonard Mukumba said the golf tournament was about honouring the sacrifices made by fallen police officers.
“We are here to honour a promise to support the families of departed police officers. The Welfare Fund ensures that widows do not become destitute, that their children do not drop out of school, and that the families of our departed officers remain secure. To my fellow captains of industry, the stability of your businesses and the security of your investments are guaranteed by the police,” he said.
As more beneficiaries pursue their education and build successful careers, the Commissioner-General’s Welfare Fund continues to provide vital support to the families of fallen police officers.
