Chihuri calls on traffic cops to remain resolute

the city for their visibility and vigilance as they had maintained order resulting in motorists complying with traffic rules. He was speaking at a passout parade of 273 policemen and women in Harare yesterday. Of the 273, 147 were women, while 126 were men. The passout had the highest number of women since independence.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said the graduates had a crucial role of observing professionalism, upholding discipline and demonstrating unconditional loyalty and patriotism to the country.
On traffic officers, Comm-Gen Chihuri said their efforts had reduced traffic congestion in the CBD.
“In view of this sterling performance, I would like to urge them to continue executing their duties diligently and observing a high standard of professionalism,” he said.
The Comm-Gen said the force will do its job without fear or favour despite attacks presented as reasoned debate.
“The inconvenience that these operations may cause to the public should not be the overriding factor used to decide whether or not to scale down such operations.
“The implications of rushed decisions may have telling effects on the crime situation in the country.
“No doubt, the country’s detractors would be happy to see an upsurge of crime in order to label the country a ‘failed State that has no rule of law’,” Comm-Gen Chihuri said.
He said the force’s efforts and those of other security arms had resulted in the nation enjoying peace. He said fighting crime remained a collective responsibility between the force and the public, which should also be involved in the prevention and detection of crimes.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said those who had been victims of serious crimes particularly highway robberies would know better.
He also urged the public to report any corrupt police officers so that they will be discharged of their duties.
Comm-Gen Chihuri  expressed concern over some misguided elements in society who were maliciously alleging that police were corrupt.
“If anything, these vexatious and malicious complaints reflect the attitude of unwarranted abhorrence towards security institutions by misguided elements who seek nothing else other than the achievement of their own selfish political ends,” he said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said although it was not yet time for official political campaigns, political parties had already begun campaigning.
He urged them to be peaceful and said the law would take its course against all those who violate its provisions, regardless of one’s stature or station in life.