admin
“It is undeniable that the election mood has in the past generated some excitement among politicians, some of whom have recklessly incited violence to attract undeserved attention from sympathisers.
“Accordingly, all misguided elements who seek to foment chaos and dissension among our peace-loving people must be promptly apprehended and corresponding justice administered thereto. May we, thus as a nation shun violence and be united,” said Justice Chiweshe.
President Mugabe has said that general elections would be held this year.
Justice Chiweshe applauded police officers for their high visibility and vigilance during the just-ended festive season, adding that they managed to afford citizens a peaceful and tranquil festive season.
“More importantly the Zimbabwe Republic Police should be commended for its sterling efforts in curbing political violence which resulted in a few and isolated cases being witnessed countrywide last year,” said the Judge President.
He praised the cordial relations that continue to exist between the police, the prosecution and the judiciary in an endeavour to effectively and efficiently administer justice.
“More importantly, our roles, duties and responsibilities are not merely complementary, but they mainly depend on our collective effort. Undoubtedly these partnerships are exceedingly vital taking cognisance of the fact that the justice delivery system would be severely compromised if there is disharmony among the police, prosecution and the judiciary,” said Justice Chiweshe.
He assured the nation that as the judiciary, they would continue being strengthened by a unity of purpose to work extremely harder with the prosecution and the police to clear the backlog in High Court records.
During the official opening of the 2012 Legal Year in Bulawayo, Justice Chiweshe noted that due to a limited number of courtrooms at the Bulawayo High Court, only 66 cases could be set down per year and that this resulted in a backlog being created every year.
He reminded the 294 recruits, 249 male and 45 female, that they joined a career which demands a high level of integrity, discipline, selflessness and total commitment.
“You should uphold the virtues of morality by particularly avoiding all forms of corruption. May I thus entreat you to protect the legacy of professionalism that epitomises the ZRP by effectively and efficiently discharging your duties. As a result you are expected to exhibit unquestionable loyalty and patriotism by carrying out your duties diligently,” said Justice Chiweshe.
“Allow me to enjoin you to judiciously use the authority that has been conferred upon you and always resist the temptation to abuse it. In consonance with the aforesaid, you should remain conscious of the fact that the society requires and expects you, as a people’s police force, to be responsible for your actions. Your actions should remain premised on the core universal principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability.”
The trainees covered Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23, police powers, procedure and the law of evidence, human rights, foot and arms drill, police duties and investigations among other topics.
Governor for Matabeleland North Thokozile Mathuthu, acting Chief Ndiweni, Mr Vincent Mbayiwa, Chief Neville Ndondo, acting Provincial Administrator for Matabeleland North, Ms Nosizo Dube, Commissioner-General of Police Augustine Chihuri, Deputy Commissioner-General Levi Sibanda, Commissioner Charles Mufandaedza and senior Government officials attended the occasion.
Also present were the officer commanding Bulawayo Province Senior Assistant Commissioner Stephen Mutamba, his Matabeleland North counterpart, Snr Asst Comm Edmore Veterai and senior officers from the army and prisons service.
Online Reporter