Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THERE was more than just military precision and salutes at Khumalo Barracks yesterday, as 200 impeccably turned-out officers from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services proudly paraded into the next chapter of their service careers.
It was a moment of pride and ceremony — complete with pomp and even a few wagging tails — as graduates from eight different military police courses stepped forward to receive their well-earned certificates at the Zimbabwe School of Military Police’s combined graduation ceremony.
Officiating the event, Director of Army Finance Colonel Nicholas Mbinya acknowledged the well-known challenges faced during training but assured that solutions were on the horizon.
“I have been thoroughly briefed on some of the challenges that you encountered during your training, and some will be attended to in the near future. As you are all aware, your school has not been an exception to the general resource constraints affecting the smooth operation of your organisation,” said Colonel Mbinya.
He noted that army headquarters is aware of the school’s logistical needs, including the completion of a new administration block and the construction of additional accommodation facilities, and pledged more effort to address these issues.
Despite the constraints, the graduation proceeded in style, recognising participants across a range of disciplines. The graduands completed a diverse range of courses, including the Provost Officers’ Course (PRO 2A/25), Provost Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Course (PRO 5A/25), Junior Investigations Course (PRO 3A/25), Provost Traffic Course (PRO 9A/25), Military Police Records and Maintenance Course (PRO 8A/25), Basic Dog Handlers Course (PVO 6A/25), Basic Military Police Course (PRO 1A/25), and the Regimental Police Course (PRO 4A/25).
Each course brought its own lessons, challenges, and field experiences.
Speaking on the Provost Officers’ Course, Col Mbinya said: “Your course programme was designed to enable you to effectively command and control provost platoons. During your training, you covered a cross-section of subjects including leadership and man management, report writing, classification of offences, compilation of Zimbabwe Military Police situation reports, investigations, and civil-military relations.”
He said that students were attached to provost units in Bulawayo and Harare for practical training and commended their performance during the wartime final training exercise held in Matopos.
“This leaves me without any doubt that the knowledge you acquired during your training helped transform you into competent military police officers. I therefore urge you to diligently and professionally use the acquired command and control skills for the benefit of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the ZPCS,” said Colonel Mbinya.
He also outlined the Provost Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Course, which had 13 students trained in leadership, classification of offences, duty room procedures, and public relations.
The Junior Investigations Course trained 21 officers in docket management, crime scene handling, cybercrime, and public relations. Students also visited the Southern Region Court Martial, Tredgold Magistrates Court, and Mpilo Central Hospital, where they observed a post-mortem.
The largest cohort came from the Basic Military Police Course, with 67 officers graduating. This course aimed to transform recruits into professional law enforcement officers within the military and correctional services, covering policing standards, wartime and peacetime duties, stress management, investigations, and public relations.
Also recognised were graduates from the Provost Traffic, Military Police Records and Maintenance, and Basic Dog Handlers courses.
In closing, Col Mbinya reminded the graduates of the responsibility that comes with the uniform.
“Serve with integrity. The nation is watching, and we believe in you.”
