Online Reporter
Peter Matika-Bulawayo Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police must accelerate the adoption of smart policing and strengthen its capacity to combat cybercrime as criminals increasingly exploit technology to perpetrate offences, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe has said.
Speaking at the ZRP pass-out parade of more than 1 000 recruits at Ntabazinduna Police Training Depot in Matabeleland North yesterday, Minister Kazembe said traditional policing methods were no longer sufficient to address evolving security threats.
He called for greater investment in technological capabilities and a new generation of officers capable of extending policing into cyberspace.
“Police officers should be equipped with the skills necessary to investigate cybercrime and respond to emerging threats in the digital environment.
“You must remain alive to the reality that yesteryear policing is no longer sufficient for the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Minister Kazembe.
“We are in an era where the Zimbabwe Republic Police must adopt a moon-shot mentality and keep transforming its operations. I, therefore, urge the organisation to aggressively embrace the smart policing philosophy by modernising its systems and equipping officers with the skills needed to combat contemporary crimes.”
Minister Kazembe said cybercrime investigation, alongside contemporary policing disciplines covered during the recruits’ training, including criminal law, disaster management, emergency response and national strategic studies, was essential in combating crime.
“We now need to shift to global trends of data-driven technologies. Physical patrol is no longer enough; cyberspace also needs to be technically patrolled with vigour and vitality. Technology is a force multiplier when it is used with integrity,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said the increasing use of digital platforms for economic and social activities required police officers capable of applying investigative skills beyond conventional crime scenes.
The minister also highlighted the contribution of young people to national security as he challenged the new officers to serve communities across the country.
He described the intake as an infusion of new blood into the national security apparatus, saying the recruits had undergone rigorous physical, mental and academic training.
“These 1 002 citizens recruited from all over the country, have made the commitment to be the watchmen of our nation,” said Minister Kazembe.
He said the recruits had been prepared to confront the demands of contemporary policing and urged them to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities.
Minister Kazembe said the public expected police officers to stay ahead of criminal elements and help create an environment conducive to national development.
The intake comprised 31 percent women, which he said demonstrated Government’s commitment to gender inclusivity and the empowerment of women.
“The participation of young women and men in the police service provides an opportunity to strengthen the institution’s skills base as it responds to emerging challenges, including technology-enabled crime,” said Minister Kazembe.
Minister Kazembe also expressed concern over drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, urging the newly graduated officers to disrupt criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
He said the scourge was contributing to violence, family breakdown and the loss of opportunities among young people.
“Equally worrying is the rising tide of drug and substance abuse, particularly among our youths. This scourge is destroying lives, tearing families apart, fuelling violence and stealing the promise of an entire generation,” said Minister Kazembe.
He called on the police to intensify action against drug syndicates and cartels.
“I therefore make a clarion call to you; focus on disrupting drug syndicates and cartels, destroy all drug bases, and apprehend drug peddlers without ceasing until the country is cleaned of this menace,” said Minister Kazembe.
The minister also urged the graduates to build strong relationships with the communities they would serve, saying effective crime prevention required cooperation between police and the public.
“Policing is not done for the people but instead, it is done with the people. Every village, suburb, business centre and neighbourhood contains citizens who can contribute to the prevention and detection of crime. They are partners. Build relationships with them,” he said.
Minister Kazembe warned the officers against corruption, saying misconduct by individual police officers could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“A bribe accepted at a roadblock, a docket deliberately misplaced, evidence tampered with, or a criminal protected for personal benefit weakens the entire justice system,” he said.
