Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
POLICE in Victoria Falls District have unveiled a renewed drive to restore public confidence, making body-worn cameras and visible name tags mandatory for officers on duty as part of sweeping accountability measures under the relaunched Police Client Service Charter.
Officer Commanding Victoria Falls District, Chief Superintendent Amos Tavaziva, led the recent relaunch of the charter, acknowledging that public trust in the police had, in some instances, diminished.
Chief Supt Tavaziva said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) was committed to rebuilding confidence by embracing transparency, professionalism and responsive service delivery.
He likened the relationship between the police and the community to a once-thriving village well that had gradually become clogged with silt, reducing its value to the people it served.
“The water is still there, admittedly, life-giving and essential, but the path to it is muddied, and the effort to draw from it has become too onerous a task for some,” he said.
“Today, we commit to clearing the well. This Client Service Charter is our shovel, our bucket, and our promise of clean and clear water for all.”
The charter relaunch comes as the Zimbabwe Republic Police rolls out body-worn cameras and name tags nationwide as part of broader reforms to improve transparency and accountability.
Chief Supt Tavaziva told community leaders, business representatives, and residents that the gadgets serve as both a deterrent to misconduct and a shield for honest officers.
“Very soon, you will notice that no police officer will go out on deployment in police uniform without wearing his or her name tag,” he said.
“Any untoward behaviour by a police officer must be promptly reported to authorities. The organisation expects increased public involvement in tackling police corruption.
“This is far more than a document. It is a solemn pledge and handshake extended to every human being within Victoria Falls District. It is a reaffirmation of what the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands for: Pro-Lege (for the law), Pro-Patria (for the nation) and Pro-Populo (for the people).”
The Officer Commanding said there are three key promises to the community: professionalism, swiftness, and transparency.
“We promise you professionalism; where the police officer you meet will not be defined by their uniform, but by their integrity, respect, and commitment to justice. We promise you swiftness, where prompt and reliable responses with clear timelines will be our guiding principle,” he said.
“We promise you transparency, giving you a right to a reference number, a right to follow up and a right to feedback.”
He emphasised that the charter is a two-way engagement and called on the community to play its part.
“When you see something, say something. Do not dismiss a piece of information as too petty. In the great tapestry of community safety, every thread counts,” said Chief Supt Tavaziva.
He said the police were committed to eradicating the drug and substance abuse scourge facing the city and the country, urging residents to share information on illegal drug dealing, especially at ports of entry such as Victoria Falls International Airport and Kazungula Border.
The relaunch aligns with the police force’s strategic document ‘MOONSHOT 2030’, which guides operations as Zimbabwe works towards becoming an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society by the year 2030.
Addressing his officers directly, Chief Supt Tavaziva said: “We are the guardians of this new covenant. The values enshrined here – professionalism, respect, integrity, transparency, accountability and impartiality must be the blood that runs through our veins. Let us be the face of hope, not of fear. Be the face of justice, not of judgment.”
The senior police officer urged the public to hold the police accountable.
“When we meet our standards, commend us. But when we fall short, challenge us. That is the wind that will make ZRP Victoria Falls District stronger, more resilient, and more trustworthy,” he said.
