ZRP ready for elections

Comm-General Chihuri said individuals and organisations perpetrating violence would face the full wrath of the law.
He made the remarks in Harare yesterday during a pass out parade of 325 police officers, the third graduation of recruits in the Zimbabwe Republic Police this year.

“With the referendum having been successfully conducted, the country’s focus is thus on attaining similar or even greater success in the forthcoming harmonised elections,” he said.
“The ZRP remains vigilant throughout the country to foster peace and security before, during and after the watershed elections. Importantly, fellow citizens, we have a moral obligation to engender and uphold peace. This is a paramount legacy which we owe to future generations.”

Comm-Gen Chihuri said despite countless calls for peace by President Mugabe, the country continued to record cases of violence in various parts of the country, although they were few.

“Time has thus come for all of us as a nation to stand up and fully commit ourselves to work for total peace in the country,” he said.
“Surely those who count on violence invite the law application on themselves. They should not apportion blame to the police. As ZRP we condemn all forms of violence and we shall not rest until all perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.”

The ZRP, Comm-Gen Chihuri said, did not carry out investigations to please a particular constituency or through the media.
“I, therefore, call upon the nation especially some misguided elements in our midst to allow the Zimbabwe Republic Police to carry out its constitutional obligations. As an organisation, we are fully cognisant and peturbed by mischievous attempts by some sections of our society who deliberately discredit our reputation.

“We remain resolute and totally committed to continuously providing a full measure and quality police service to our clients.”
Comm-Gen Chihuri thanked police officers who participated in the just-ended referendum and urged them to continue with the good work.

He urged the graduands to complement efforts by Government to “ring-fence” Zimbabwe’s hard-won independence.
“During the courses studied a significant effort was made in enhancing the graduands’ knowledge on the political history of our country because the ultimate objective is for all police officers to understand where we are coming from as a nation,” he said.

The passout  parade comprised of 199 males and 126 females.
“The initial police training you have received has inevitably equipped you with fundamental aspects of policing but you should be mindful that the learning process is far from over,” Comm-Gen Chihuri said.

“To this end, now is the chance for you to put your knowledge and training into practice. It is essential to remember that only by continually striving to learn, is when you and your career will grow and develop.”

Comm Gen Chihuri added: “Always bear in mind that discipline is the cornerstone of any successful organisation. Therefore, as you take up your new posts in different parts of the country, it is of paramount importance for you to exhibit a high degree of discipline and exemplary conduct at all times.”