Make Zim a crime-free nation: Comm Matanga
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has been urged to increase visibility by increasing patrols across the country in order to guarantee a crime-free environment.
Speaking at the launch of the Mashonaland East province patrol unit at Ziko Business Centre in Seke at the weekend, ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga said police have to cooperate with members of the public and be disciplined at all times in order to ensure a crime-free Zimbabwe.
“We may not always be with you as you patrol the streets and residences, but police discipline and integrity expects that you will be your own supervisors at all times. Exercise restraint, be firm but be fair and do not be heavy-handed even when dealing with suspects.
“And this is the order I am giving you today as your Commissioner-General, to go out there and patrol your areas so that you make Zimbabwe crime-free, peaceful, safe and secure,” Comm-Gen Matanga said.
He said officers must clearly understand their duties and be ready to deal and work with people of different opinions and characters
“Your duty is to bring offenders to justice. Understand the diversity of humanity and be ready to work with errant members of the public and suspects. Accommodate even those who may not readily accept you,” he said.
He urged officers to be alert, work as a team and be able to identify criminals and bring them to justice.
“Together as a team, let us make Zimbabwe a safe destination for local, regional and international investment. Therefore, get to know your patrol areas and familiarise with your environment.
“Get to know the residents, talk to them and understand them, know the crimes that are of concern in your areas of deployment, identify ways of preventing them, involve the communities and identify the criminals and bring them to justice,” he said.
Comm-Gen Matanga also appealed to the public to work closely with the police.
“May I appeal to all our publics and all peace-loving citizens to cooperate with the police as they go about their day-today duties. The presence of police officers in various places of residence and in your streets is meant to mitigate your insecurity and provide you with protection when needed, so help the police to make Zimbabwe safe,” he said.
He implored the media, who he described as the ears and eyes of the nation, to help police officers serve the nation even better.