Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
LUPANE district police have emerged overall champions of the 2026 Matabeleland North Provincial Police Sports (PROPOL) Gala after producing outstanding performances across several sporting disciplines during the provincial competition held in Hwange on Sunday.
The annual sporting event brought together police officers from Hwange, Victoria Falls, Nkayi, Lupane and Provincial Headquarters (PHQ), with competitors battling for honors in soccer, netball, volleyball, chess, pool and darts, while also vying for selection into the provincial team that will represent Matabeleland North at the Commissioner-General of Police Sports Gala.
Officially opening and closing the tournament, Officer Commanding Matabeleland North Province, Commissioner Steven Kazingizi, described sport as an essential pillar of wellness within the Zimbabwe Republic Police, saying it helps officers manage the physical and psychological demands of policing while strengthening relationships with the communities they serve.
“Given the risky and demanding nature of our duty of policing the nation, sports definitely offer psychological therapy. This underscores the concept of wellness through sport,” he said.
Comm Kazingizi said the weekly sporting activities held at police stations not only promote fitness but also create opportunities for officers to engage with members of the public in relaxed settings, fostering trust and cooperation in crime prevention.
He noted that such interactions strengthen the police’s community policing philosophy by encouraging information sharing and collaboration against crimes such as drug trafficking, drug and substance abuse, rape and child sexual abuse.
“Sports unite us in the fight against crime,” he said.
The Commissioner also said the provincial gala serves as a platform for identifying talented athletes who will represent Matabeleland North at the national Commissioner-General of Police Sports Gala.
In the competition, Lupane dominated the overall standings, buoyed by a strong all-round performance. The district topped the netball competition with 57 points, collecting four gold, five silver and six bronze medals.
Nkayi finished second with 42 points, followed by Hwange on 39, Victoria Falls on 35 and PHQ on 20.
Lupane also proved their football prowess, finishing first in the soccer league with 10 points, ahead of PHQ (8),
Victoria Falls (5), Hwange (3) and Nkayi (1).
The district further excelled in chess, where it secured first position ahead of PHQ and Hwange.
In darts, Nkayi finished top with nine points, while Victoria Falls, PHQ/Hwange and Lupane completed the leading positions.
The pool competition was won by Hwange, which accumulated nine points ahead of Lupane, PHQ, Victoria Falls and Nkayi.
The volleyball title went to Nkayi, which edged Hwange on points after both teams finished with six points, while
Dynamo placed third ahead of Victoria Falls and PHQ.
Comm Kazingizi commended all participants for displaying discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, saying every competitor had contributed to the success of the event.
“I saw fascinating and electrifying performances by competitors who battled with high morale and discipline,” he said.
The top police officer urged the selected provincial team to carry the same determination into the upcoming Commissioner-General of Police Sports Gala.
“The Propol Gala only preludes the greatest showdown that we are going to witness at the Commissioner-General of Police Sports Gala. Let’s go and rule the roost, for we are well able,” he said.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and sponsors who supported the provincial sports gala, saying their continued partnership contributes significantly to the welfare of police officers and the success of community policing initiatives.
