Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube in Ntabazinduna, [email protected]
“REMEMBER that nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo. Be known as part of those who are building our country, not those tearing it down”.
With those moving words, President Mnangagwa set the tone for a historic and colourful passout parade at the Ntabazinduna Police Training Academy yesterday, where 999 police officers graduated after an intensive one-year training.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of discipline, endurance and transformation — it was also historic.
For the first time since the academy’s establishment, a sitting President presided over a graduation ceremony at the institution, lending added significance to an already momentous occasion.
From early morning, Ntabazinduna was alive with anticipation. Families, senior Government officials, commanders in crisp dress uniforms and invited guests filled the grand stands, their eyes fixed on the expansive parade ground where months of sweat and sacrifice would culminate in a final, flawless display.
Then came the command.
In perfect synchrony, the 999 recruits — 697 male and 302 female — marched into the parade square in tight formations, boots striking the tarmac in thunderous rhythm. The unity of movement, the sharp turns and the precision of their drills spoke of a year defined by discipline and resilience.
Their presence embodied the President’s rallying call — to be builders of the nation.
The highlight of the ceremony came during a meticulously choreographed drill sequence. At a sharp command, the entire contingent executed a flawless manoeuvre, and then, in one fluid motion, briefly removed their caps.
For a split second, there was silence.
Rows upon rows of baldly-shaven heads — male and female alike — glistened under the sun, a powerful symbol of uniformity, equality and shared sacrifice.
The unexpected spectacle caught everyone off guard. Even seasoned photographers momentarily lowered their cameras in awe before scrambling to try capture the striking image, albeit too late.
It was more than theatrics. It was a visual statement — individuality surrendered for collective duty, personal comfort exchanged for national service.
As the recruits snapped their caps back on and resumed formation without missing a beat, applause rippled through the crowd, swelling into a roar of admiration.
In his speech, President Mnangagwa emphasised patriotism, professionalism and vigilance, urging the new officers to be guardians of peace and agents of development.
His rallying call resonated deeply with the graduating class and the crowd alike, reinforcing a message of ownership and responsibility.
“I urge you the graduands to stay true to that path you have chosen, a call to duty and sacrifice in complete service to our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Pursue fruitful careers always guided by the motto of the Zimbabwe Republic Police: “For the Law, for the People and for the Country”, not just on your badges, but in your hearts, minds and all that you do.
“Integrity is what you do when no one is looking. The journey ahead will test your conduct, honesty and professionalism. In the face of temptation, stand firm and forthright, acting in accordance to the dictates of our national Constitution and the Police Service Charter, among other enabling legal instruments,” said the President.
The parade also marked a significant shift in police training. This cohort was the first to undergo a full one-year training programme, a departure from the previous six-month course, a move designed to produce a more skilled, resilient and adaptable police service equipped for modern challenges.
For many families in attendance, the ceremony was deeply emotional. But beyond the spectacle and celebration, the President’s words lingered as the ceremony concluded.
Be builders, not destroyers.
