Top police officers retire

Harare Bureau
AT least four police commissioners went on leave pending resignation last month, while a chief superintendent was transferred from Harare to Nkayi, at a time allegations of corruption are being levelled against some officers. Those retiring are Commissioner Oliver Chibage, Senior Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena, Senior Assistant Commissioner Edmore Veterai and Seniora Assistant Commissioner Moses Chihuri who were said to have reached retirement age.

But sources within the force said on Monday that Chief Superintendent Joel Tenderere was being transferred from Harare to Nkayi following his implication in corrupt activities in the city.

Comm Chibage was responsible for operations, while Snr Asst Comm Chihuri was in charge of administration at the Police General Headquarters.

Snr Asst Comm Veterai and Snr Asst Comm Bvudzijena were working in Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri’s office.
Comm Chibage has been in the news in recent days for allegations of corruption, which the police vehemently refute.

A Harare couple has alleged criminal abuse of office and harassment by Comm Chibage and Chief Supt Tenderere in what they said was a relentless drive to illegally seize their investments.

The matter was once heard in the High Court by Justice Felistus Chatukuta in 2011 who ruled that Chief Supt Tenderere and his group should stop interfering with operations of the company called Prisgate Trading.

In February this year, Justice Hapias Zhou also condemned the police officers for their actions.
Sources said top police officers are investigating a litany of corrupt deals involving senior officers who were using Comm-Gen Chihuri’s name to fleece people and companies of their money.

Results of the investigations are not yet out.
Comm-Gen Chihuri was said to be unaware of the dealings behind his back.

Police sources said the four senior officers, who are all over 55 years, were opting out after applying rules of retirement governing the force.
“There are two periods of retirement on pension within the organisation, that is after 20 years of service and at 50 years of age,” said a police source.

“When you attain 50 years, you start applying to the Police Commissioner-General for retirement every year who has the discretion to keep you in as long as you are in good health and when your services are still required.”

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said there was nothing sinister about the four senior officers’ retiring from the force.

“You can apply for retirement on pension at designated times,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
On Comm Chibage’s retirement, Snr Asst Comm Charamba said in a statement last week that he wanted to pursue his business interests.

“The ZRP would like to advise that Commissioner Oliver Chibage, who is Commissioner Responsible for Operations, is currently on leave pending retirement on pension,” she said.

“Commissioner Chibage wishes to pursue his business interests, hence the decision to retire on pension. The Commissioner had served in the police for a period of 33 years.”

Comm Gen Chihuri last week called on the people to join the police force in stamping out corruption to maintain professional law enforcement.

He made the remarks at the hand over ceremony of prizes to winners of the 2013 Commissioner General’s Funfair raffle draw.
“We come from the people and we look to the people to help stamp out this scourge and people should not just say we are corrupt when we have no evidence presented,” said Comm Gen Chihuri.