Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE Commissioner General, Stephen Mutamba, says more effort should be directed towards the fight against raging crime and drug and substance abuse.
He was speaking at the Commissioner General of Police Sports Gala.
“We cannot afford complacency while crime rates surge, detection efforts fall short of set targets and road traffic accidents spiral out of control.
“They must find purposeful expression in our collective fight against crime, particularly at this critical time when our nation is confronting the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“This insidious threat, if allowed to fester, threatens to strip away the very fabric of our future by extinguishing the potential of our youths and weakening the social bonds that hold us together.
“It is through a well-coordinated approach, one that mirrors the unity and cohesion displayed in sport, that we can reclaim our communities from this menace.
“I am encouraged to note that our shared efforts are already yielding results, with several drug peddlers brought to justice and dedicated operations ongoing across the country.”
Comm-Gen Mutamba added:
“Let us pause and reflect. Have we truly created an environment of peace, safety, and security?
“Have we made meaningful progress in reducing crime and road traffic accidents?
“And above all, have we lived up to our sacred duty to serve and protect our communities?
“If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, then we must acknowledge the need for enhanced effort towards fulfilling our mandate.
“Let this closing chapter ignite in us a flame of renewed determination, redefined purpose and more commitment than ever as we set forth on the next leg of our journey.”
He urged all police commanders to allow police officers to take part in sporting activities every Wednesday afternoon for their wellness and fitness.
Comm-Gen Mutamba said sport was an important part of the force.
“Let this serve as a powerful reminder, just as athletes embody discipline, focus, and unwavering perseverance to claim victory, so too, must we harness the same determination to protect the soul of our nation.
“As the curtain falls on this three-day long sporting extravaganza, we recognise the vital role sporting activities play in promoting our health, morale and overall wellbeing.
“Indeed, this event, now firmly embedded in our policing calendar, continues to serve as a vital pillar for fostering companionship, discipline and teamwork within our rank and file.
“Our athletes have etched their names in the annals of sport as champions in their respective disciplines and being living embodiments of the values we uphold.
“They have carried our flag beyond the borders and into the hearts of those who witness their determination.’
He added:
“Consider the remarkable achievements of Sergeant Isaac Mpofu, whose qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, has reignited the nation’s hope for sporting glory and also cast a bright spotlight on our organisational identity.
“Equally inspiring is the consistent brilliance of Inspector Wilfred “Ninja” Mashaya, whose enduring legacy of excellence continues to uplift the collective spirit of our officers.
“His recent triumph, clinching five gold medals in London, is a national symbol of perseverance and the boundless potential of our police officers.
“These victories are ample proof of excellence that resides at the heart of this organisation and remind us that we are a formidable force pivotal in shaping the sporting destiny of our country.”
Speaking on behalf of sponsors, Solten Financial Services managing director, Saul Chin’anga, urged business leaders to partner the police in fighting crime.
“Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of our engagement with institutions such as the Police Service,” said Chin’anga.
“We believe in supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of the men and women who serve and protect our communities.
“Through our collective sponsorship, we are investing in the health, motivation and unity of those who dedicate their lives to ensuring our safety.
“I would like to urge the business community to join hands with police in fighting crimes that have been affecting our economic growth.”
