Arron Nyamayaro
HARARE provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, has retired after 26 years of service.
Inspector Chakanza retired voluntarily, saying he decided to leave the police service while he was still able to pursue other opportunities.
“I am sure many are keen to know whether my retirement followed some issues. I am leaving the police voluntarily. “Some say a good dancer knows the right time to leave the dance floor.
“I am hanging up my police uniform but I am not retiring from the friendships I made during my 26 years of service.
“I want to thank the police commanders for their faith in me, my family, the stakeholders, and my mentors, including Commissioner (Paul) Nyathi and retired Inspector Tigere Chigome.”
Speaking at a farewell dinner, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, praised him for helping restore public confidence in the police.
“The public has seen the good work of the police through the service of Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Julius Chakanza,” Minister Chombo said.
“Inspector Chakanza set a high standard for those who will take over from him.
“We are celebrating the departure of a provincial police spokesperson who, among other things, helped restore public confidence in the police.
“He performed his duties professionally and never compromised them, even when people he dealt with were in conflict with the police.”
She added:
“His exceptional conduct helped rebuild public confidence and he encouraged people to do the right thing to avoid clashing with law-enforcement officers.
“We have witnessed some officers carrying out their duties while drunk but not Inspector Chakanza. “He mentored a number of officers on how to engage with the public and also guided many people at his ZAOGA church. “Inspector Chakanza, you showed how a police officer should serve.
“We look forward to more officers helping take us towards Vision 2030. May the good Lord bless you.
“We thank your parents, your wife, your team and the stakeholders who supported you.”
Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, also praised Inspector Chakanza’s dedication to duty.
“Inspector Chakanza was a dependable, disciplined and committed officer and, indeed, it was a pleasure to work with him.
“When it came to the responsibility of Police Spokesperson for Harare Province, he was, without doubt, the right man for the job.
“He understood that the role demanded discipline, professionalism, sound judgement and tact.
“As we know, discipline is central to the effective execution of our duties and he demonstrated this in the way he discharged his responsibilities.”
He added:
“His contribution to strengthening relations between the Police, the media and the community deserves special recognition.
“He leaves Harare Province better than he found it in terms of police-community relations, and that is a legacy we sincerely appreciate.
“Inspector Chakanza, thank you for your support and cooperation over the years.
“You may be leaving the uniform, but you will always remain part of the ZRP family.”
National Police spokesperson, Commissioner Nyathi, said Inspector Chakanza raised the profile of the police public relations office and promoted community policing.
“He is leaving a mark in the police, especially in the public relations department, where he promoted modern community policing,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Community Liaison Committee chairperson for Harare province, Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika, described Inspector Chakanza as a man who wore his uniform with pride and discharged his duty with humility.
“Inspector Chakanza, you have been the face of calm in times of tension, the voice of truth when rumours were rife, and the bridge that connected the Police to the Community.
“You turned public relations into public trust.
“You made the people of Harare believe that the Police is not just a force, but a friend and a partner. For that, Harare will forever be indebted to you.
“But, no man serves this long, this faithfully, without a strong support system behind him.
“Today, we must pause and honour the pillar behind this gallant officer – his beloved wife and his family – we salute you.”
