Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Women’s Network brought together police officers, traditional leaders and community members in Bulilima District on Monday as they marked Africa Day in a unique and meaningful way.
The event, held in Ward 20 at Dombodema, was more than just a celebration. It was an opportunity to strengthen ties between the police and the community, promote cultural awareness and build trust through dialogue.
For the people of Ward 20, the gathering was particularly special. It was the first time since independence that the ward had hosted an official Africa Day commemoration, making the occasion both historic and symbolic.
The event drew a wide range of participants, including Chief Hikwa, Ward 20 Councillor Fortune Dube, and several village heads and traditional leaders. Also in attendance were 20 female police officers from Plumtree, representing the ZRP Women’s Network.
Leading the proceedings was the Officer Commanding Crime in Bulilima and Mangwe districts, Superintendent Rosemary Mangena. Speaking at the event, she said the visit was meant to celebrate Africa Day while at the same time strengthening community policing efforts through engagement with traditional leadership structures.
Superintendent Mangena said building strong relationships between the police and the community was essential in improving cooperation and ensuring effective policing.
She said that the initiative was also aimed at promoting understanding between the police and the communities they serve.
Other traditional leaders present at the event included village heads Philimon Ngwenya, Tjivi Nleya, Thabani Nleya and Smart Tshuma of Tshompani. Also among the delegates were Chief Hikwa’s advisor Mrs Franciscar Ncube, secretary Hanani Moyo, and elder and ZANU PF member Bafundi Nleya.
In her address, Superintendent Mangena said the ZRP Women’s Network was keen to learn from the community, particularly about the Kalanga culture.
“The ZRP Women’s Network is found in all SADC regions and our main objective is to equalise working rights between women and men. So, we also have educational courses for female officers so they can upgrade themselves and today we are here to strengthen nation-building and social responsibility.”
She highlighted that the network does not only focus on policing issues but also supports communities in times of need.
Superintendent Mangena recalled how the network had earlier in the year assisted a grieving family in Bulilima.
“I remember there is a lady who lost her life during delivery in Bulilima. As the ZRP Women’s Network, we assisted in burying her by contributing money to buy a coffin and other essentials. We even donated clothes to the baby,” she said.
The story struck a chord with many in attendance, showing a different side of policing — one that is grounded in compassion and care for the community.
Superintendent Mangena also used the occasion to encourage pride in African identity, especially among women and young people.
“Today is our Africa Day. We are proud of being black; let us be proud and let us not bleach. Being black is not a mistake, it is natural. As today we are all dressed in African attire, this will help our new police members to keep tradition in mind. I encourage you, school students, to eat traditional foods. Do not ignore these foods and only depend on processed and junk foods. These foods are good for your health,” said Superintendent Mangena.
The event also provided a platform for open discussion on how police officers should interact with traditional leaders and local communities when deployed to rural areas.
Superintendent Mangena stressed the importance of following proper procedures and respecting local authority structures.
She explained that police officers are expected to engage traditional leaders before operating in any area, rather than approaching communities informally.
This approach, she said, helps to build mutual respect and cooperation.
“We engage local leaders before operating in the area. We fully respect the leaders. I advise the leaders to have log books so that when police officers visit them, they sign,” said Superintendent Mangena.
She further emphasised that the visit was also about learning from the community.
“We also came here to learn from you. Teach us how we should operate in your areas. We need to know how we enter your homesteads. I remember one day when Village Head Sikhathini chased a police officer away when he entered his homestead without proper greetings. He called me and said, ‘I have chased your officer away for not following proper procedures. So we have come here to learn the Kalanga culture.”
The remarks were met with appreciation from community members, who said such engagements help to break down barriers between the police and residents.
Chief Hikwa’s advisor, Mrs Franciscar Ncube, also took the opportunity to explain the correct procedures for approaching traditional leadership, including how both community members and police officers should request to meet the chief.
The discussions were well received, with many noting that such exchanges are important in promoting understanding and respect.
Chief Hikwa praised the initiative and encouraged the police to continue engaging with communities across the district.
“This is very educational; I thank all the female police officers for attending. Please keep coming and let this not only be done at Dombodema but in all other places,” said Chief Hikwa during the gathering.
“The event has been an eye-opener; some benefited by learning what Kalanga tradition is like. I am very thankful for the schoolchildren. They learnt a great deal. Although we did it at short notice, we achieved a lot.”
Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, said such events form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between the police and the public.
She noted that similar programmes are held annually, but said Bulilima and Mangwe districts are currently setting the pace in the province.
“As the ZRP Women’s Network, we believe in partnership with other stakeholders, as we understand that policing is not only about the police but continued partnerships,” said Inspector Dube.
She added that empowering women remains a key focus of the network, but stressed that empowerment goes beyond financial independence.
“Women’s empowerment is not only about women making money but being empowered on how to protect their money from criminals. Culture Day for us is about understanding the communities that we police and also educating them on some dangerous cultural activities and how to balance culture and crime. It’s about protecting the girl child from rape, early child marriage and forced marriages.”
The event ended on a high note, with a renewed commitment from both the police and the community to work together.
For Bulilima’s Ward 20, the day was not just about celebrating Africa, but also about building stronger relationships and creating safer communities through unity and mutual respect.
