Home Affairs Minister, ‘Mugabe’s Cousin, ‘Ignatius Chombo’ Warns Corrupt Cops’

HOME Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo has said the government will not hesitate to dismiss corrupt cops following the dismissal of about 300 crooked police officers last year. Speaking at the graduation of 159 police officers at Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot yesterday, Minister Chombo said officers with a penchant for corrupt deeds will be flushed out of the system.

“We need to have a police force with an impeccable reputation for honesty and integrity. The job of serving the people is a noble one that calls for individuals whose character is beyond reproach. I take this opportunity to remind you of the demanding virtues of the public office that you are now required to serve,” said Minister Chombo.

He said the security architecture of any country is the mirror of its government. “As government we will not brook any form of indiscipline by our police officers as this tarnishes not only the image of the police organisation but also the whole country,” said the Minister. He said while the primary responsibility of the police is to maintain law and order, it calls for a delicate balance between robust enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of the citizens.

“The police should continuously earn the respect and support of all its clients. This can only be achieved by ensuring that the best service is guaranteed and that the respect for citizens’ fundamental rights becomes the benchmark for service,” he said.

Minister Chombo said the government needed to ensure there was availability of the necessary resources for police officers to effectively discharge their duties. “The Ministry will, therefore, do its best in availing the critical resources to ensure that the organisation focuses on its core mandate of maintaining law and order. The Ministry will also not tire in its effort to continuously improve the working conditions of police officers,” he said.

The Minister said police have a vital role of ensuring that a peaceful and tranquil environment prevails, as peace, security and defence are key drivers of growth under Zim-Asset. “The government, therefore, expects police officers to continue providing an enabling environment for the successful implementation of its policies,” he said.

“As police, your acts of commission and omission in the line of duty don’t grievously affect the image of the organisation only, but also that of the nation as a whole.” A total of 95 male and 64 female cops successfully completed the rigorous six -month competence-based recruit training programme.

Present at the graduation ceremony were Commissioner General of Police, Augustine Chihuri, Provincial Minister of State for Bulawayo, Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo, Members of Parliament for various constituencies, traditional leaders, and senior civil servants.
Source – chronicle