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Harare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mugabe has urged the nation to campaign and vote peacefully in the 31 July elections and uphold peace after the polls as they did in the referendum on the constitution. He reiterated that peace and tranquility should also be exhibited as the country welcomed visitors and participants to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly to be held in Victoria Falls and Livingstone on 24-29 August.
President Mugabe was speaking at a passout parade of 546 police recruits at Morris Depot in Harare yesterday.
The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces urged the nation to adopt a bold stance against violence to shame detractors.
“As peace loving Zimbabweans, we should nurture the spirit of harmony, tolerance and unity amongst ourselves. The Zimbabwe Republic Police shall always arrest all perpetrators of violence regardless of their status or station in society,” he said.
President Mugabe warned all those engaging in corrupt and nefarious activities to desist from such behaviour.
He paid tribute to Zimbabweans for remaining peaceful, resolute and steadfast despite the various challenges bedeviling the nation.
“We must be mindful at all times that our detractors remain persistent in their pursuit of illegal regime change agenda as they continue to inflict immeasurable suffering on our country through illegal sanctions,” he said.
The President said he was proud that the ZRP and other security agents continue to support Government’s people-oriented programmes.
“As we celebrate 33 years of our hard won independence, we remain mindful of the fact that this freedom is of no significance if Zimbabweans are not in full control of their natural resources such as mineral wealth that lie in the belly of our land and other means of production. As Government, we take pride in our defence and security forces for responding positively to these landmark initiatives.
“I am particularly gratified to note that the policing theme for this year resonates with Government’s thrust of economically empowering indigenous Zimbabweans. It reads, ‘ZRP Promoting Patriotism, Empowerment, Professionalism and Total Commitment to the Nation.”
He said the theme rallies police officers to actively participate in defending indigenisation and empowerment programmes.
President Mugabe said Government’s thrust of economic emancipation underpinned by the indigenisation of the economy should therefore be accorded ample space and relevance in the policing realm.
President Mugabe
“I wish to underscore the fact that the ongoing indigenisation and economic empowerment policies are not political gimmicks but means through which the aspirations of the liberation struggle can be fulfilled.”
President Mugabe said the police force was the cornerstone of peace and security in any country, but could only exterminate crime with the support of the community.
“Remember, therefore, as you take up posts, that you must always be cognisant of the need to render selfless quality service to the people,” he said.
The President said it was exceedingly sad that road accidents continue to tragically claim innocent and precious lives especially during public holidays.
He said it was painful to comprehend that public holidays had now become dreadful events especially for those travelling on these occasions.
The new 399 male and 147 female recruits underwent a six-month competence-based recruit training programme.
In attendance at the passout parade were Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Co-Minister of Home Affairs Kembo Mohadi, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu, Attorney General Johannes Tomana, Senate President Edna Madzongwe, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, service chiefs and senior Government officials.
Meanwhile, President Mugabe officially opened and commissioned a Police Model Court Complex at Morris Depot, which would be used by police recruits as part of their training.
Online Reporter