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The 30 police officers who were recently deployed under the sadc observer mission to provide security and maintain peace during general elections in Lesotho on February 28 have returned home. The team from the Support Unit’s Romeo Troop, which was among 305 officers from sadc, was led by Chief Superintendent Cosmas Mushore.
Of the 30 officers, 23 were men while seven were women.
Addressing the team in Harare yesterday, Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri said Africa had many challenges from various destabilising forces which hampered the continent’s developing aspirations.
“Some of these destabilising situations are sponsored by erstwhile imperial forces that are determined to portray the continent as a citadel of confusion,” he said.
“Indeed, such marauding elements have stifled progress in Africa as funds that are meant for structural and social adjustments would end up being directed towards security causes.”
Comm-Gen Chihuri said such was the state of affairs that every self-respecting African should stand up to fight for and to defend the sovereignty of their continent.
“It is against this background that, by virtue of our country being a member of sadc, we were quick to react to the clarion call for duty when it sounded,” he said.
“I am glad that despite the limited notice to deploy, the Zimbabwean contingent was one of the first to arrive in the Kingdom of Lesotho.”
Comm-Gen Chihuri said all commanders in the force were expected to respond promptly to all calls as they endeavoured to protect life and property. He said it was their earnest conviction that as members of sadc, they were all members of a single family who had similar aspirations.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said he was gratified that the officers managed to perform their duties with distinction and did not tarnish the image of the force and the country. Chief Supt Mushore said they did not face any challenges during their tour of duty and that they successfully accomplished their mission.
Wenslus Murape
Online Reporter