HARARE, Feb. 27 (NewsDay Live) - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the police academy to entrench the values that sustained the liberation struggle.
He was speaking during the 2025 Zimbabwe Republic Police recruit graduation ceremony, where 907 recruits graduated at the Mkushi Academy in Harare on Thursday.
“The many young men and women who pass through these gates are called upon to serve our motherland with honour, dignity and distinction,” he said.
“Patriotism and a deeply-rooted sense of nationalism should be fully embraced by police officers, who remain custodians of the peace, security and stability of our country.”
He further stated that the police profession requires higher levels of knowledge and broader skills, and designed training curricula that mould competent and professional police.
“Unlike yesteryear, where physical height and stamina were critical attributes for joining the force, today’s policing is no longer a walk in the park,” he said.
Mnangagwa commended the two-year diploma programme undertaken by the recruits, which incorporates an elaborate syllabus of contemporary policing courses, such as Police Duties and Investigation Crime, Investigations Criminal Procedure and the Law of Evidence, Human Rights and Policing Public Order, Management History of Policing and Civic Education, Community Policing, Basic Financial Accounting and Information Communication and Technology.
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He said the inclusion of the history of Zimbabwe and civic education will undoubtedly enhance students’ appreciation of the country’s rich liberation, cultural heritage and national identity.
“It also assists in ensuring that graduands develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for effective policing,” he said.
Mnangagwa further highlighted the need for constant review of the syllabus to ensure best practices in smart policing.
“Particular focus must be towards ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the justice delivery system, protection of human rights, and environmental crimes, to mention a few,” he mentioned.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the police force for the vital role that they are playing in nurturing and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with other key players across the sectors of the economy.
“Collaborations with institutions of higher learning, such as the University of Zimbabwe and Bindura University of Science Education, reflect a desire for continuous growth aimed at inculcating relevant skills and capabilities among police recruits,” he said.
The President applauded the ZRP’s continued contribution to regional and global peace through participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“This is an account of good standing as a professional force that upholds best practices in policing,” he said, further reflecting that the government would ensure that the force is well-equipped with tools of the trade.
“The recent purchase and handover of 500 vehicles for police operations is a clear testimony of my government’s commitment,” he said.
“It is my sincere hope that the vehicles distributed across the country have enhanced the operational capacity of the ZRP.”
Mnangagwa emphasised the need for modern ICT hardware and software, which plays a pivotal role in an effective force and enhancement of efficiency in the justice delivery system.
“Government is committed to prioritising the deployment of ICT-enabled systems to address challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-changing environment,” he said.
“The various high-impact innovations that are being undertaken by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, such as the Automated Fingerprint System, will aid investigations and subsequent convictions of both first and repeat offenders.”
The President called upon the police to work tirelessly on drug and substance abuse, which continue to threaten and tear apart the fabric of society.
“The ZRP, working in close liaison with other stakeholders, must re-double their efforts to expunge the supply and demand side of the drug cartels,” he said.
He further urged the police to enhance co-operation with the community throughout the country, local authorities, agencies and international partners towards reducing crime.
“The growing trend of environmental crimes has become a great security threat,” he said.
“The ZRP must, therefore, enhance cooperation with relevant institutions, such as the Environmental Management Agency, local authorities, as well as regional and international partners to address the issue.”
