Online Reporter
Peter Matika Senior Reporter
THE image of the female police officer as playing second fiddle in the fight against crime is fast fading, as women in uniform are increasingly demonstrating their physical strength, discipline and combat skills required to confront danger.
At the recent police graduation ceremony at Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot in Umguza District, Matabeleland North province, female recruits showcased their martial arts and unarmed combat skills, demonstrating that effective policing requires more than a badge and a uniform. It demands discipline, physical preparedness and the ability to respond decisively when confronted with danger.
On Friday, 1 002 recruits graduated from the police training depot, with women accounting for 31 percent of the intake. The recruits’ physical training included martial arts and unarmed combat, equipping them with skills that can be applied in situations requiring personal protection, restraint and physical intervention.
For female officers, the training is part of a broader shift in the role of women within law enforcement, where participation increasingly extends beyond representation to the practical demands of policing.
Addressing senior police officers, recruits and their families during the pass-out parade, Home
Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the 31 percent female participation demonstrated Government’s commitment to gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women.
“It is equally encouraging to note that 31 percent of the graduands are female, a fact that amply demonstrates the Government’s commitment to gender inclusivity,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said the achievement reflected the nation’s resolve to uplift and empower the previously disadvantaged girl child.
The physical demands of police work, he said, required officers to remain prepared for challenging situations, whether responding to criminal activity in communities, border areas or busy streets.
“Every drill you completed and every lesson you mastered was preparation for the greater test that awaits you. Crime will not be committed according to a timetable,” he said. He said officers could be called upon to work on cold nights, under the scorching sun and in situations from which others might run. The emphasis on physical preparedness comes as the police service seeks to equip recruits with skills suited to the realities of contemporary law enforcement.
Unarmed combat can be particularly relevant when officers need to restrain suspects or protect themselves and members of the public in situations where the use of firearms may not be appropriate.
The recruits were also challenged to adapt to emerging forms of crime, including technology-enabled offences.
“Physical patrol is no longer enough, the cyberspace also needs to be technically patrolled with vigour and vitality. Technology is a force multiplier when it is used with integrity,” said Minister Kazembe.
