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Speaking during the 144th Zimbabwe Prison Service (ZPS)’s pass-out parade at the Ntabazinduna Prison Training School, Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu said security forces deserved to benefit from the country’s natural resources in recognition of their contribution in the liberation struggle and their continued service to date. He scoffed the notion that security forces should not run mines or be involved in economic matters.
“I attended the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme in the United States and our detractors failed to convince the world about their lies on issues concerning Zimbabwe. They have run out of lies and the whole world is tired of their lies. They have now come up with another lie that the security forces have taken over the running of mines in the country,” said Minister Mpofu, who was the guest of honour at the pass-out parade.
“In any case where in our statues does it say that security forces should not participate in the economy? I want to make it clear that if ZPS applies for a mining concession, I will give them one. That applies to the police, the army and the airforce. These are the people who are protecting our resources. They are the people who made it possible to repossess what the colonisers took away from us.
“Minister Mpofu accused the West of double standards and urged the security forces to utilise the ongoing empowerment drive to help boost the country’s economy.
“The US is running mines in Iraq and other countries but when our people want to do business it becomes an issue. Security forces should not be apologetic to seek mining concessions. Our policy does not discriminate and as a ministry we have the power to give you the concessions,” said Minister Mpofu.
He commended ZPS for utilising the land productively and urged the institution to broaden their economic projects and invited potential investors to partner with them for improved operations.
Minister Mpofu said the country’s economy was still on a recovery path and urged officers to be patient as Government was aware of the challenges they are facing.
He implored officers to continue being loyal to the Government and shun corruption in the discharge of their duties in order to remain credible.
The Commissioner of Prisons Retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi also invited potential investors to partner with ZPS to venture into mining in order to achieve self-sufficiency.
The parade consisted of 603 recruit officers drawn from 12 detachments of which 385 were males and 218 females.
The officers had undergone a rigorous six-month training programme on different courses that include civic education, prison administration, security management, health education, drill and weapons handling, rehabilitation and public relations and the overview of the penal system.
The colourful event was punctuated with captivating displays by the recruit officers ranging from drills and marching, music by the ZPS band and presentations by local entertainment groups. Also present were senior Government and uniformed forces officials, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Mr Obert Gutu, ZPS Deputy Commissioner in charge of rehabilitation Rhodes Moyo, One Brigade Commander Brigadier General Thomas Moyo and Bulawayo magistrate-in-charge of Bulawayo and Matabeleland North Mr John Masimba.
Online Reporter