Arron Nyamayaro
CHURCHES have been called upon to strengthen their partnership with the police in tackling gender-based violence (GBV), drug and substance abuse and other crimes threatening community safety.
Officer Commanding Harare Province Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, made the call on Thursday when he officially opened a two-day 2026 Christian Community Police Network (CCPN) workshop attended by more than 400 church leaders from different denominations across Harare Province.
Comm Chikunguru said domestic violence, sexual offences and drug abuse required a collective response, with churches playing a key role in educating communities, supporting victims and encouraging people to report cases to the authorities.
“Your attendance demonstrates your commitment to strengthening the relationship between the police and the church,” he said.
“As pastors and church leaders, you occupy a strategic position in society because of your influence and close interaction with members of your congregations.”
Comm Chikunguru said the workshop was designed to equip church leaders with knowledge and skills to contribute to crime prevention, community safety and improved police service delivery.
He also challenged religious leaders to uphold ethical conduct and avoid exploiting congregants or abusing their spiritual authority.
“Reports of the exploitation of congregants and abuse of spiritual authority by some religious leaders are a cause for concern.
“As pastors, you must uphold integrity, accountability and respect for the law,” he said.
He urged churches to strengthen security and financial controls to guard against theft and fraud, advising them against keeping large sums of money on their premises.
Churches were also encouraged to vet employees handling cash and regularly monitor financial transactions.
Comm Chikunguru commended CCPN committees across Harare Province for supporting police – community relations, particularly their donation of a vehicle to the Provincial Chaplain’s Office.
He said the vehicle was being used to visit sick church members and assist bereaved families.
Participants were also encouraged to remain active in the network beyond the workshop and maintain close cooperation with police officers in their communities.
“The police cannot fight crime alone. We need the support of churches, families, community leaders and other stakeholders.
“Let us strengthen this partnership through mutual trust, regular communication and practical cooperation,” he said.
CCPN chairperson, Reverend Wellington Kuwuya, said the workshop sought to familiarise church leaders with police structures and officers, enabling them to know where and how to seek assistance when confronted with crime and safety concerns.
He said cooperation between churches and the police could build trust while helping communities address social challenges.
“Our purpose is not to replace the work of the police, but to complement it through spiritual guidance, community engagement, prevention and encouragement to do what is right,” Rev Kuwuya said.
One of the participants, Evangelist Itayi Tayengwa of Wisdom City Ministries International, said the workshop had helped bridge divisions among church denominations and reinforced the importance of working together to address community challenges.
He said some church leaders had become preoccupied with denominational rivalries at the expense of their responsibility to promote peace and improve people’s lives.
“Vatungamiriri vazhinji vanga vachirwisana kuda kunzi kereke yavo ndiyo chaiyo, vachisiya zvinopa upenyu kuruzhinji.
“This workshop took every church leader on the same level and there were no front chairs for the leaders since we were all learning. If you stop learning, better stop leading,” Evangelist Tayengwa said.
