‘Corruption a social, professional evil’

Tafadzwa Ndlovu and Lisa Shirichena
Police have been urged to shun all forms of corruption by exhibiting high levels of discipline and integrity on and off duty. Speaking at a graduation parade of 82 Support Unit recruits at Shamva Battle Camp last Friday, Officer Commanding Mashonaland Central Senior Assistant Commissioner Mucharwei Mathuthu said engaging in corrupt activities would only discredit the police force.

“I urge you to always avoid polluting your good work with elements of corruption at all times,” he said. “Corruption is both a social and professional ill and is one single factor that has the potential to erode all the public confidence earned over years of excel- lence.

“The eagle emblem that you are going to put on from today onwards is a mark of distinction that should be mirrored by distinctive performance, hence conduct yourselves in a way that befits a member of an elite unit.”

Snr Asst Comm Mathuthu said police should strive to make meaningful contributions to the nation.

“The country is currently working hard to realise fruits from its economic blueprint, Zim-Asset,” he said. “It is our duty to guarantee an environment that will ensure the speedy realisation of the blueprint’s growth projections.

“The Support Unit is known for its belief in unity and this has earned it its unblemished reputation, so all of us have a responsibility to not just carry the title, but to be worthy of it.”

Snr Asst Comm Mathuthu hailed the inclusion of computer courses in the police training curricula, saying technology would speed up their work when dealing with cyber crime cases.

“The inclusion of computer courses in your curricula is a reasonable phenomenon as it reinforces the organisation’s aspirations to stay abreast of technological developments and to embrace the same for expediting the swift resolution of complicated cyber criminal cases,” he said.