President Mnangagwa presides over ZRP graduation parade

Today, we are at the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mkushi Academy in Harare for a graduation parade for police officers.

Our Reporter Ivan Zhakata is at the event to give us live updates of the colourful event.
Stay tuned and enjoy the graduation ceremony.

Electric atmosphere at Mukushi Academy
The atmosphere at Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Mukushi Academy is filled with anticipation as a large crowd has gathered for the prestigious graduation parade, where President Mnangagwa is expected to preside.
The academy grounds are adorned with national flags, banners and beautifully arranged seating under a large marquee.

Graduates, dressed in their academic regalia, are standing proudly with their families, capturing moments in photos and exchanging smiles.
Dignitaries, Government officials, and school administrators are occupying the front rows, engaged in quiet conversations while awaiting the President’s arrival.
Traditional dancers and a school choir are preparing for their performances, adding a cultural flair to the event.
A sense of excitement is rippling through the crowd as whispers spread that the Presidential motorcade is approaching.
The air is charged with expectation, and as the convoy nears, all eyes turn toward the entrance, ready to welcome the Head of State to this momentous occasion.

Dignitaries arrive for graduation

Dignitaries have begun arriving at Mkushi Academy ahead of the ZRP graduation parade, where President Mnangagwa is expected to officiate.
Among the high-profile attendees already at the venue are:
 Service Chiefs
 Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Ambassador Fredrick Shava
 Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands, Owen Ncube
 Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland Central, Christopher Magomo
 Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works Marian Chombo
 Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) chairperson Mr Michael Reza
 Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) director-general, Dr Gift Machengete
The graduation parade is a key event in the ZRP calendar, marking the successful completion of rigorous training for new police recruits.
This year’s ceremony is expected to highlight law enforcement’s role in upholding peace and order, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to national security and professional policing.
It is running under the theme, ‘Embracing contemporary policing in pursuit of an upper-middle-income economy’.
President Mnangagwa is expected to deliver a keynote address centered on discipline, patriotism and the role of law enforcement in national development.

President Mnangagwa arrives

President Mnangagwa has arrived at Mkushi Academy to officiate at the graduation parade.
Senior Government officials, Service Chiefs, and other dignitaries welcomed the President
The graduation parade is a key fixture on the ZRP calendar, celebrating the achievements of recruits who have undergone extensive training to enhance law enforcement capabilities.
This year’s ceremony is running under the theme, “Embracing Contemporary Policing in Pursuit of an Upper-Middle-Income Economy.”

The theme reflects the Government’s commitment to national security and professional policing.
President Mnangagwa’s presence at the event underscores the importance of a well-trained police force in the country’s broader vision for economic and social stability.
The event is currently underway, with graduates set to showcase their training through various drills and demonstrations, highlighting their readiness to serve and protect the nation.

ZRP graduands deliver precision drill display
The ZRP graduands have delivered an exceptional display of precision and discipline during their drill showcase at the graduation parade.
The synchronised movements, sharp salutes and impeccable formations showed months of intense training and unwavering dedication.
As the parade commenced, the officers-in-training marched onto the field with perfect alignment, their boots striking the ground in unison.
Every movement was executed with military precision, from the crisp turns to the well-coordinated rifle drills.
The audience watched in awe as the graduands demonstrated various formations, seamlessly shifting between complex patterns without breaking rhythm.
The highlight of the drill showcase was the silent drill routine, where the recruits moved in perfect harmony without verbal commands.
Their discipline and coordination were evident as they executed intricate movements solely based on hand signals and synchronised timing.
The silent drill was met with resounding applause.

President calls for patriotism as 907 police officers graduate
President Mnangagwa has called on newly trained police officers to uphold patriotism, discipline and national values.
Speaking at the graduation parade at Mkushi Police Academy in Harare as 907 officers graduated this morning, President Mnangagwa said it is important for the police force to maintain peace, security and national stability.
Of the 907 graduates, 624 are males while 283 are females
“In 2023, I made the deliberate decision to rename this institution from Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy,” President Mnangagwa said.
“This was in recognition of the bravery of both the living and departed heroes and heroines who fought against colonialism.”
President Mnangagwa said the Academy’s name honours the sacrifices of female liberation fighters who perished in 1978 at the Zebra Mkushi Camp in Zambia.
“I hope that the graduating class and indeed the police service as a whole will continue to be inspired and emboldened by the same spirit of courage and selflessness that defined that generation of youths,” he said.
“The men and women passing through these gates are called upon to safeguard our motherland with unwavering commitment. Patriotism and a deeply rooted sense of nationalism should be fully embraced by police officers who remain custodians of the peace, security and stability of our nation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also congratulated the newly appointed Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Steven Mutamba, on assuming leadership of the force.
The event concluded with a parade showcasing the graduates’ training and commitment to law enforcement.

How Mkushi Academy got its name
“In 2023, I made the deliberate decision to rename this institution from Morris Depot to Mkushi Police Academy,” President Mnangagwa said at the event.
“This was in recognition of the bravery of both the living and departed heroes and heroines who fought against colonialism.”
President Mnangagwa said the Academy’s name honours the sacrifices of female liberation fighters who perished in 1978 at the Zebra Mkushi Camp in Zambia.
Full a full account of what happened at Zebra Mkushi Camp in Zambia,

https://www.chronicle.co.zw/mkushi-bombing-the-women-who-lived-to-tell-the-tale/