Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
Police officers have been warned against harassing members of the public and engaging in corrupt activities, and instead serve the community with honour and respect.
The stern warning came from police chief, Commissioner General, Stephen Mutamba in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Commissioner General (Adminstration) Lorraine Chipato during the ground-breaking ceremony of Pfupajena Police Station in Chegutu recently..
The construction of a state-of-the-art police station by ZRP is being done in partnership with the business community, churches, miners and other stakeholders.
Currently, Pfupajena Police Station is operating from a house in the heart of Chegutu’s oldest high-density suburb, Pfupajena, having been in existence since 1985 as a police post before being transformed into a station in 2002 following a surge in crime-related cases.
For 40 years, efforts were made to move the station to a more conducive and spacious space were in vain.
Deputy Commissioner General Chipato was accompanied by Officer Commanding Mashonaland West Commissioner Tawonei Nyazema. She assured the community of the force’s unwavering policing work, warning officers against corruption.
“Your unwavering support as a community reaffirms that we will not fail as a nation. To the police officers who will be stationed here, I wish to reiterate that you discharge your duties bearing in mind that policing flourishes on the full cooperation, mutual respect and collaboration with citizens you swore to serve. We don’t want you to harass people and engage in corrupt activities,” she noted.
She lauded the collaboration between the police and the community in ensuring that police conduct their operations in a conducive environment.
“The community together with the Chegutu Municipality, rose as one to champion the transformation of the police post to a fully-fledged station in 2002. Yet, for two decades, the dream for a permanent home lingered just beyond reach.
“But, as they say that the relationship of police and people is like fish and water, inseparable and interdependent and this is why we stand here today for this project,” she said. “This commitment is in line with President Mnangagwa’s call for Zimbabweans to help build their nation brick-by-brick in line with Vision 2030.”
Officer Commanding Chegutu District, Chief Superintendent Sabau, said the current station was not conducive for operations.
“The current police station from which our officers are operating has become small and is affecting our officers in their operations. The new station is set to bring dignity and respect to the force while at the same time improving efficiency,” he said.
The new station will have a state-of-the-art charge office, various offices, several holding cells, an armoury, among other units. The current station has a single holding cell and small offices while other officers conduct their operations inside cabin offices.
The community and stakeholders who have chipped in for the noble cause assured the government of their support.
Already, 300 bags of cement, bricks, and other building materials have been secured from the partners.
The ruling party, Zanu PF, pledged 20 000 bricks to the noble cause while local businessman, Mr Tofirei Phillip Rukawo, donated 10 000 bricks.
