Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
POLICE are to visit various church denominations during services as they intensify their efforts in fighting crime.
Officer commanding Harare province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru said this yesterday at the Handover-Takeover of a donated vehicle to the Harare provincial Chaplaincy by the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN).
He urged church leaders to take an active role in the fight against crime by reporting crime and raising awareness crime prevention among the congregants.
He said police officers under the Chaplaincy will visit churches for awareness campaigns against crime and sin.
Comm Chikunguru reiterated the need for every church member to have contact details of their local police stations.
“Let it be emphasised: churches should not keep large sums of money on their premises.
“To the Chaplaincy section: — cultivate strong, mutual relations with CCPN. Visit local churches.
“Partner with pastors. Let us fight crime and sin together. And to you, make good and responsible use of this resource.
“It is with great purpose and profound gratitude that I stand before you today to officiate at today’s milestone, which is more than the handover and takeover of keys, but a symbol of trust, unity, and shared responsibility in nation building.
“Before us, ladies and gentlemen, stands a brand-new Nissan NV300, generously donated by the Christian Community Police Network, affectionately known as CCPN.
“The vehicle was imported at an estimated cost of US$9,000.00 and stands as a tangible expression of faith in action,” he said.
The Christian Community Police Network is a relatively new community policing initiative that brings together local church leaders to address challenges within both the community and the police service.
The committee plays a vital role in enhancing the spiritual health of our organization through close collaboration with our Chaplaincy.
“This donation demonstrates that the men and women of CCPN understand that their mandate extends beyond prayer and preaching to the police. It now includes active resource mobilization to support the work of the service.
“Our Chaplaincy has, until now, been operating without a dedicated vehicle — a limitation that has severely hampered its operations.
“The section is responsible for the welfare of our members: visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved, counselling the distressed, preaching the Word, and interceding for the organization.
“All these duties demand mobility to be carried out effectively and with dignity.
“Today, that gap is being closed. The section is being given wheels to enable it to travel and serve more effectively.
“There was a time when the police stood alone. Today, the police and the community stand as one.
The Church and the community are standing together to fight sin and crime.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls, one can help the other up.
“When the police, the Church, and the community walk together, no burden is too heavy and no challenge is too great,” said Comm Chikunguru.
Handing over the vehicle, provincial CCPN chairperson, Reverend Kuuya said may this vehicle become an instrument of hope, encouragement, healing, and service to many.
“As we hand over these keys today, we renew our commitment to continue working hand in hand with the Zimbabwe Republic Police in promoting peace, unity, integrity, and community service throughout our nation.
“Allow me to conclude with the words of Galatians 6:9 which says and I quote: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
“As CCPN, we believe that policing is strengthened when officers receive spiritual, emotional, and moral support. Behind every uniform is a human being who faces challenges, loss, stress, and family responsibilities.
“Through the Chaplaincy, we seek to ensure that no officer or family feels forgotten during difficult times.
“We also take this opportunity to sincerely appreciate the Zimbabwe Republic Police for its continued commitment to community policing, and for choosing to work hand in hand with the Church.
“This donation stands as a clear testament that the Church is solidly behind the Police and the fight against crime. The concerns of the Police are our concerns,” said Rev Kuuya.
