Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
SOLDIERS have been urged to stay clean, stay professional and stay far away from shady dealings and drug abuse as they carry out their duties.
Addressing a joint Zimbabwe National Army graduation parade on Friday, Colonel Quartermaster Staff, Col Tryvern Nkoma, told the newly trained officers that corruption, especially in procurement, will not be tolerated.
The graduation saw 271 officers from the Zimbabwe National Army, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and Ministry of Defence completing various courses. These included basic cookery, food and beverages services, senior catering management, basic stores, intermediate stores management, procurement junior non-commissioned management, basic driving, recovery operations and mechanical transport administration courses.
Col Nkoma said officers entrusted with procurement must be extra careful to follow laid-down procedures.
“Let me take this opportunity to urge you to shun all forms of corruption especially in the procurement junior non commissioned officers course. You are expected to avoid at all costs breaching the procurement protocols and make it a point that every spending should be supported by a proper paper trail,” he said.
The Colonel expressed confidence that the graduates would execute their duties with professionalism and integrity.
He reminded officers in the stores, transport and mechanical units to respect and strictly follow the regulations guiding their work.
Col Nkoma issued a stern warning against criminal behaviour.
“In the same regard I strongly urge you not to partake in any criminal activities like robbery, drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The passing out ceremony comes at a time when the defence forces are intensifying discipline, professionalism and accountability across all units.
