THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on Wednesday commissioned a reconstructed four-roomed residential block at ZRP Old Camp and a newly built state-of-the-art cold room to improve accommodation and welfare for police officers in Beitbridge District.
The residential block was reconstructed to replace a similar structure that was destroyed by fire in November 2025, with four police families set to benefit from the new accommodation.
The cold room, constructed this year by Agrifoods, comprises a chiller and a freezer, measures 12.5 metres in length and 11 metres in width, and has the capacity to store up to 50 cattle. The facility was funded by the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe (BACFOZ) to support the safe storage of rations for police officers serving across the district.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Provincial Officer Commanding Police (PROPOL) Commissioner Elizabeth Phiri said providing decent accommodation was essential to promoting the welfare of officers who sacrifice so much to maintain peace and security in communities.
“Proper housing brings dignity to our officers and their families, as they deserve decent, safe and secure accommodation. This block will provide the much-needed accommodation for four police families,” she said.
She urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the facility and maintain high standards of cleanliness.
Turning to the cold room, Phiri said the facility would strengthen police operational effectiveness by ensuring that food rations were stored safely, remained fresh and were kept in hygienic conditions.
“Operational effectiveness depends on welfare. The cold room will ensure that rations are safely kept fresh and in a hygienic environment without waste. We are assured that police officers on duty, whether on patrol or on 24-hour shifts, will have access to proper healthy meals,” she said.
She said that the facility would help reduce costs and promote accountability in the management of station resources.
Phiri urged the Officer Commanding Beitbridge District to establish proper systems for access control, record-keeping and maintenance to ensure the cold room remained functional and served its intended purpose.
Officer Commanding Beitbridge District (DISPOL), Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube, said the two facilities represented a shared commitment to improving the welfare of police officers and strengthening relations between the police and the community.
“These facilities are more than just structures. As you can see, they are state-of-the-art facilities that symbolise our shared vision, hard work and commitment to improving the lives of our members and the wider community,” Ncube said.
Meanwhile, BACFOZ chairperson Felix Venge said the cold room demonstrated the importance of collaboration between the business community and the police in promoting safety and security.
“This cold room is more than just a structure. It is a symbol of our shared commitment, partnership and determination to support the police in carrying out their duties. As BACFOZ, we believe that when the business community and the police work together, we create a safer environment for everyone,” Venge said.
He expressed gratitude to BACFOZ members who contributed towards the successful completion of the project, commending their financial contributions, encouragement and support.
Venge said the initiative demonstrated that the organisation was committed to taking practical steps to support crime prevention and improve the capacity of the police to serve communities.
The commissioning of the two facilities marks a significant investment in police welfare in Beitbridge, addressing the need for decent accommodation while improving the storage and management of food supplies for officers.
The projects also highlight the role of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the business community in supporting public safety and enhancing service delivery.