Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba and Arron Nyamayaro
A NUMBER of rogue police officers are abusing drugs and substances but their days in the force are numbered, the COMMISSIONER-General of Police has warned.
Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba said there is no room for officers who are unable to perform their duties because of drugs and substance abuse.
In a startling revelation yesterday, Comm-Gen Mutamba said the cancer of drug and substance abuse, which has gripped communities across the country, has also found its way into the police service.
He was addressing senior and junior officers at the Commissioner-General of Police 2026 Sports Gala in Harare.
He said some officers have become so addicted that they can no longer effectively carry out their responsibilities.
The revelation comes as law enforcement agencies continue intensifying the fight against drug syndicates, peddlers and users amid growing concern over the impact of substance abuse on families, communities and workplaces.
“It would be amiss if I do not talk of the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“This is not only a problem to the country but it has permeated into our rank and file.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are mandated to fiercely fight against drug syndicates and cartels as well as apprehend peddlers and users.
“It is highly inappropriate and inconceivable to have peddlers and users in our midst.”
Comm-Gen Mutamba said it was unacceptable for police officers, whose duty is to enforce the law and protect citizens, to be associated with drug abuse.
He said decisive action would be taken against officers whose addiction affects their ability to serve.
“I am informed that some members are no longer able to perform their duties due to drug addiction. We cannot tolerate this as a law enforcement organisation.
“Decisive action must be taken and if it means chucking them out, let it be.
“You will all agree with me that operational excellence requires both mental and physical resilience.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, this sporting gala underscores our commitment to fitness, discipline, and preparedness among us.
“The physical fitness gained enhances endurance and sharpens decision-making,” he said.
The police boss also sent a strong warning to drug dealers and peddlers, saying police officers were on high alert and determined to dismantle drug networks operating in the country.
His remarks underscore the growing seriousness with which authorities are treating drug and substance abuse, which has been blamed for rising crime, family breakdowns and declining productivity among some youths.
Comm-Gen Mutamba urged officers to embrace sport and healthy lifestyles, saying physical fitness plays a critical role in building mental resilience, discipline and professionalism.
“In an increasingly demanding policing environment, sports provide an important platform for stress management, wellness and personal development.
“The qualities revealed on the sporting field are the same required of every police officer in the execution of police duties.”
He also hailed provinces and districts that have rehabilitated sporting facilities and said police stations across the country, including those in remote areas, should have sporting facilities that promote fitness and wellness among officers.
Comm-Gen Mutamba challenged officers to emulate police athletes who have excelled locally and internationally through hard work and discipline.
About 2373 participants drawn from all the provinces competed in various sporting disciplines that included athletics, soccer for men and women, volleyball, tennis, chess, squash, javelin among others.
He said the ZRP has a proud legacy of producing some of Zimbabwe’s finest athletes who have represented both the
organisation and the nation with distinction.
“Among these celebrated sporting icons is Olympian Abel Chimukoko, who represented Zimbabwe at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
“His remarkable sporting journey continues following his appointment as Chef de Mission (Head of delegation) for Team Zimbabwe at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“I would also like to recognise and honour Wilfred Mashaya for the exemplary work he continues to do in raising our national flag high. “Through his dedication and outstanding performances, he has distinguished himself as a worthy ambassador of both the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the country.
“I therefore commend him for his sterling efforts and
encourage him to continue making our country proud.”
He added:
“In the same vein, we are equally proud of the many other exceptional athletes and sports officials who have carried the Zimbabwe Republic Police flag with distinction on regional and international stages.
“These include Faith Mloyi, Grace Gimo and Luckson Mhara, who distinguished themselves in football refereeing; marathon runner Isaac Mpofu and Collen Jimu, who made his mark in athletics officiating at international level.”
