Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
POLICE officers who abuse drugs while on duty will face the full wrath of the law, including being discharged from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba has said.
He made the remarks while addressing senior and junior officers at the Commissioner-General of Police 2026 Sports Gala in Harare. He also warned drug dealers and peddlers that police were on high alert to thwart all illegal drug activities.
“It would be amiss if I did not talk of the scourge of drug and substance abuse. This is not only a problem for the country, but it has permeated into our rank and file. As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are mandated to fiercely fight against drug syndicates and cartels as well as apprehend peddlers and users. It is highly inappropriate and inconceivable to have peddlers and users in our midst,” said Comm Gen Mutamba.
“I am informed that some members are no longer able to perform their duties due to drug addiction. We cannot tolerate this as a law enforcement organisation. Decisive action must be taken and if it means chucking them out, let it be.”
The police chief said operational excellence requires both mental and physical resilience, noting that the sports gala underscored the ZRP’s commitment to fitness, discipline and preparedness.
“Sport remains a critical component of policing. It enhances physical fitness, improves mental resilience, strengthens teamwork, develops leadership qualities and promotes healthy lifestyles. In an increasingly demanding policing environment, sports provide an important platform for stress management, wellness and personal development. The qualities revealed on the sporting field are the same required of every police officer in the execution of police duties,” he said.
Comm Gen Mutamba expressed satisfaction with the progress made in improving sporting infrastructure across the country. He commended all provinces and districts that have undertaken sports infrastructure rehabilitation projects, noting that these efforts are creating an enabling environment for athlete development and ensuring that officers have access to quality training facilities.
He further revealed that the ZRP has procured and distributed gym equipment to all provinces.
However, he urged commanders and sports administrators to exercise sound stewardship and accountability in managing these assets.
Turning to the ZRP’s proud legacy in sports, Comm Gen Mutamba hailed the organisation for producing some of Zimbabwe’s finest athletes who have represented both the force and the nation with distinction.
Among those recognised was Olympian Abel Chimukoko, who represented Zimbabwe at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and has since been appointed Chef de Mission (Head of Delegation) for Team Zimbabwe at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He also paid tribute to Wilfred Mashaya for his exemplary work in raising the national flag high through his dedication and outstanding performances.
The Police Chief further commended other exceptional athletes and sports officials, including Faith Mloyi, Grace Gimo, and Luckson Mhara, who have distinguished themselves in football refereeing, as well as marathon runner Isaac Mpofu and Collen Jimu, who made their mark in athletics officiating at the international level.
“These athletes serve as powerful role models for our young officers and aspiring sportsmen and women throughout the country. Their achievements demonstrate that excellence is attainable through dedication, discipline and hard work. I encourage all athletes gathered here to dream big, work hard and strive for excellence in everything they do,” he said.
Comm Gen Mutamba reminded the gathering that sport is not only about winning medals and trophies, but also about building character, fostering friendship, promoting unity, and strengthening the organisation.
“Be mindful that as you compete, losing is a learning experience; it teaches you humility and to work even harder. In all competitions, you either win with pride or lose with dignity. Let me reiterate the aspect of sports integrity. Shun sports manipulation and performance enhancement. This has had an effect of eroding public trust and goes against the sporting spirit founded on excellence, respect, friendship and fair play,” he said.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner-Generals Elliot Ngirandi and Lorraine Chipato, alongside other senior officers.
