Police set to boost force to 75 000

Freeman Razemba Crime Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police wants to recruit 25 000 more police officers to enable effective policing. The ZRP currently has a staff complement of 50 000 officers and if its request is granted this will bring the number to 75 000.

Speaking during a tour of Police General Headquarters by Home Affairs Deputy Minister Obedingwa Mguni in Harare yesterday, Deputy Commissioner-General (Administration) Godwin Matanga said the ZRP’s vision was to be the leading police service provider in the world by 2020.

“The establishment of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is 50 000 and the strength is 50 000. Contemporary policing demands highly effective and efficient police organisations that are fully equipped to give clients world-class services.

“To this end, the ZRP has submitted to the Police Service Commission an upward review of its human resource requirement from the existing establishment to 75 000 to address the manpower deficit emanating from the dynamic police environment and increased demand of police service in the country,” he said.

Deputy Comm-Gen Matanga outlined challenges facing the ZRP ranging from shortage of residential accommodation to offices.

He said the challenges required urgent attention.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to play its role of maintaining a peaceful and conducive environment for the successful implementation of Zim-Asset,” he said.

Deputy Minister Mguni applauded the ZRP for working hard to rid society of crime.

“I have been to various other countries and all they could talk about was how bad our economy is but when it comes to policing, they do admit that there is a peaceful environment.

“I agree with you that you are facing a lot of challenges but with the small resources that you have, you have managed to keep our country peaceful,” he said.

Deputy Minister Mguni said Government was working on addressing challenges faced by the ZRP.

“We wish to increase the number of police persons so that everyone in any corner of Zimbabwe will not spend two hours trying to find a policeman and fail to get one. This is how I think it should be,” he said.