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especially traffic officers, saying the vice was tarnishing the image of the force.
Addressing a congregation at the annual Commissioner General’s church service at Dutch Reformed Church in Gweru, Asst Comm Ncube said the police force was in the process of introducing stringent measures to curb the rot among its members.
Corrupt officers, he said, faced instant dismissal from the force, if caught.
“We are launching a new campaign against corruption next week, beginning with the traffic police officers. Whenever they stop a vehicle at a roadblock, they should introduce themselves fully, giving their full names and force number to the motorists,” said Asst Comm Ncube.
The tough stance by the police comes shortly after President Mugabe, the Head of State and Government, attacked the police and Zimra officials over corruption during his address at the Zanu-PF 13th Annual People’s Conference in Gweru recently.
President Mugabe castigated the police and Zimra officials saying they were tormenting Zimbabweans on the roads and at the country’s borders.
He said Zimra officials were frustrating women who are cross-border traders, demanding that they pay unreasonable fees as duty for their goods.
Asst Comm Ncube said corrupt police officers were derailing Government’s efforts to turn around the economy.
He said the police would place flyers and posters condemning corruption at all charge offices as part of the campaign to end the social ill.
“Let me warn all police officers who engage in corrupt acts that they face instant dismissal. There will be no written warnings or hearings for such officers,” said Asst Comm Ncube.
On a lighter note, Asst Comm Ncube said it was universally acknowledged that policing was one of the most stressful careers whose duties forced one to always miss church services as they would be on duty most of the time.
The Commissioner General’s Church Service is the brainchild of Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri meant to promote Christian values among officers. On this day, police officers countrywide and their families come together to fellowship and worship God.
“As police officers we are happy for being afforded this opportunity by Comm Gen Augustine Chihuri, to worship and give praise to God,” Asst Comm Ncube said.
The police officers presented a unique spectacle as they broke into song and praise.
Pastor Ncube from Seventh Day Adventist Church gave the opening prayer. Three choirs kept the congregants entertained.
The guest speaker, Provincial Chaplain Rev Peter Chinyavada told the congregation to desist from engaging in sinful acts like being greedy, covetous and indulging in self-praise.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter