Police assures Poll security

as the date for the referendum on the draft Constitution.

Addressing senior officers in Harare yesterday, Senior Assistant Commissioner (operations) Faustino Mazango urged them to continue stamping their authority before, during and after the referendum and elections by adopting a zero tolerance stance on all forms of violence.

The officers who are assistant commissioners are undergoing a training programme on major amendments of the Electoral Act Chapter 2:01.

Snr Asst Comm Mazango said these were national events and they had an obligation to ensure that the nation was afforded an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in a tranquil and peaceful environment.

“Always remember that we are peace makers for the nation and people regard us as their shield in time of need.

“As peace makers of the nation, may I categorically warn perpetrators of violence that, no one and I repeat, no one is immune to prosecution, hence all perpetrators of violence should be brought to book regardless of their political affiliation and station in life,” Snr Asst Comm Mazango said.

He said the training programme was a reflective of their commitment to selflessly and effectively discharge their constitutional obligation with a sense of professionalism the force was renowned for.

“The ZRP as a focused organisation believes in development of its officers for them to keep abreast with the changes in the policing environment,” he said.

Snr Asst Comm Mazango said he was glad that police officers were not amateurs to such duties.

“As an organistaion, we are renowned for our wealth of experience with regard to handling and management of these processes. The organisation will therefore not condone crass performance from its commanders, hence you (senior officers) should stand up and be counted,” he said.

He said in fulfilling the country’s values and ethos, the ZRP officers always commit their minds and soul in ensuring that people get the full measure of their service through total commitment to work.

National Steering Committee commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Lee Muchemwa recently said a committee which comprises of 26 officers and one civilian was set up in 2010 to deal with the holding of elections, countrywide.