By Patience Gondo
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and community policing and warned criminals police have retaken the covenant to arrest crime.
ZRP acknowledged the increase in violent crime and drug trafficking but said they are up to the task with renewed energy.
Relaunching the ZRP Client Service Charter at Lutumba in Beitbridge police said it is reigniting the trust people had in them likening the event as desilting of a well for all to access fresh water.
“Driven by the inherent obligation to serve, we are gathered to renew our covenant and reiterate our commitment to the very oath that we swore to the people of Zimbabwe by reinvigorating the Police Client Service Charter,” the officer commanding Beitbridge Pokice District Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube said.
“We are relaunching this Client Service Charter at a time when the District has recorded several cases of armed robberies and criminals who have been moving around robbing people at Business Centres and residential areas. It is also disturbing to note that cases of drug trafficking, drug abuse and stock theft have been rampant.”
“May I take this opportunity find fore warn the criminals that the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” he said.
He said the Service Charter was more than just a document because it should answer client expectations.
Every citizen he said, rightfully expects the minimum service standards when they interact with the police and the charter laid out those standards.
He said professionalism courtesy and efficiency is expeced of the police.
“This is far more than a document; it is a solemn pledge and handshake extended to every human being within the confines of Zimbabwe. It is a reaffirmation of what the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands for: Pro-Lege (for the law), Pro-Patria (for the nation) and Pro-Populo (for the people),” said Ncube.
He reaffirmed the ZRP pledge for undivided attention to pursue the needs and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe; citizens, visitors and residents alike.
He said police were clear and shared Vision 2030.
“As the nation enters the final lap of the shared Vision 2030, we are clear of the overall expectation that; an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income economy requires strong foundations anchored on a safe and secure environment. Today’s reaffirmation of our covenant is a step towards the fortification of such foundations,” he said.
“Let me hasten to mention that, as the Officer Commanding Police, Beitbridge District, I am not blind to the murmurs of discontent and disapproval. I have heard the stories in the marketplaces, read the concerns in the newspapers, and felt the yearning for enhanced police service in my own community.”
He said the trust between the police and the public has, in some instances deteriorated and he was very much aware.
“I may liken it to a village well that is renowned for vibrancy, but has begun to silt up. The water is still there admittedly, life-giving and essential, but the path to it is muddied, and the effort to draw from it has become too onerous a task for some. Today, we commit to clearing the well. Some kind of reclamation, if I may say. This Client Service Charter is our shovel, our bucket, and our promise of clean and clear water for all.”
He said the Charter marks a decisive turn and call to unity, to move beyond police gates to join a the community in a collective front against crime where security depends not only on individual vigilance, but also on everyone’s determination.
“We promise you swiftness, where prompt, and reliable responses with clear timelines will be our guiding principle. We are reinvigorating our policing impetus through unwavering efficiency and a professional standard that serves all our clients.We promise you transparency; giving you a right to a reference number, a right to follow up and a right to feedback.This is the standard and our promise to you,” Ncube said.
He asked the community to participate.
The public had a role to play and it was also covered in the charter.
The Charter he said also outlines how, the client, can help the Police in creating a safe and secure Zimbabwe by reporting even the littke they see.
He said police officers had to be respected and be treated with the courtesy the public expected.
He asked Beitbridge police to take charge and be guardians of tye covenant, The Charter and respect its values while the public must hold police accountable.
“We are the most visible arm of government and citizens interact with us more often. Let us be the face of hope, not of fear, the face of justice, not judgment, the solution, not the obstacle,” he said.
“To the people of Beitbridge District, hold your Police Service accountable. Use the phone numbers, and social media handles in the Client Service Charter to share with us your concerns, appreciation and suggestions. Very soon, you will notice that no police officer will go out on deployment in police uniform without wearing his or her name tag. Any untoward behaviour by a police officer must be promptly reported to authorities. The organisation expects increased public involvement in tackling Police corruption,” he sad.
He asked people to give police a pat on the back when they do a good job and criticise them when they fail.
“Let us walk this new path together. This is your charter. Use it. Let us walk this new path together in partnership, for a safer, secure and more just Zimbabwe.”
The event drew police officers from both rural and urban stations, traditional leaders including village heads and headmen, as well as stakeholders from various government departments.
As part of the programme, the showcased a march past drill display and a demonstration by the K9 unit.
The dog section illustrated how trained canines detect drugs and other illicit items, reinforcing the police’s warning against smuggling and drug abuse.
Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) representative, Dr Felix Venge, commended the police for their efforts and called for stronger collaboration between the business community and law enforcement agencies.
“As the business community, we must support the police. For instance, if a crime occurs in a remote area and the police lack resources such as fuel, we should assist where possible,” he said.
Business Against Stock Theft chairperson Maxwell Ngwenya also urged communities to report stock theft cases promptly.
He spoke of the importance of collective action in safeguarding livestock, which he described as the backbone of the local economy.
“In Matabeleland South, cattle farming is our main economic activity. Let us protect it through timely reporting, branding and proper livestock identification,” he said.
The relaunch of the Client Service Charter is expected to strengthen trust between the police and the community, while promoting transparency, accountability and improved service delivery.