Online ReporterNyore Madzianike
INCREASING resources for the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) tops Government priorities, to enhance the police’s enforcement capabilities and safeguard the economy, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti has said.
He made the pledge at a lecture on devolution and the Whole-of-Government Approach at Mkushi Training Camp in Harare yesterday.
Eng Muguti said adequate resourcing was essential for the police to recognise their vital role in economic development.
Without effective enforcement, a country cannot have a well-functioning economy, he added.
“There cannot be any word called economic development if there is no word called enforcement,” he said.
“In fact, you will find that the countries with the highest GDP in the world right now actually have a bigger police force than they have on people who collect bins and other services because without enforcement, you simply cannot have a good running economy.
“So, we are going to release more resources to ensure that the Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully capacitated to ensure that we protect the economy.”
Eng Muguti said a robust police presence is necessary for maintaining order and stability, which are crucial for fostering economic growth.
He identified several challenges to economic growth, including money laundering, unregulated trading, and corruption.
Eng Muguti outlined three primary forms of money laundering that pose significant barriers to progress.
The first type involves street money changing, where individuals exchange currency openly on the streets.
This basic form of money laundering undermines financial regulations.
The second type, which Eng Muguti termed white-collar money laundering, involves illicit activities related to trade and car sales.
He highlighted that many vehicles in car sales are imported using unverified funds, often referred to as “free funds”.
Eng Muguti said about 90 percent of vehicles in the car sales do not trace their funds back to legitimate sources.
The third type of money laundering occurs in fuel trading, where Eng Muguti noted that many service stations only accept cash payments, which raises concerns about their financial practices. Businesses that refuse to accept local currency or digital payments may be engaging in money laundering.
He also pointed out that large corporations were involved in money laundering by failing to account for cash transactions properly.
Many companies are dumping their stock downtown to receive cash without proper documentation.
Eng Muguti urged citizens to refrain from intimidating police officers through name-dropping. He stressed that law enforcement should operate independently and without fear.
The commitment to resource the police reflects a broader strategy aimed at combating corruption and enhancing the rule of law in Zimbabwe.
