Good going our police force
Is not everyday that we commend the Zimbabwe Republic Police for doing a great job in combating crime. Liberation museum: A step towards decolonising our past
IT is not that we are ignorant of their exploits, but that these are sometimes drowned or dwarfed by cases of corruption, real or perceived, emanating from the law-enforcement agents.
These tend to steal the limelight, as is generally the case in most instances.
However, today we specifically commend our police force for registering great success, particularly in recent months, where they have busted gangs of armed robbers that have been terrorising our citizenry.
Some people have lost valuables worth thousands of dollars, while others have lost their lives.
Banks and other companies have not been spared as the robbers wreak havoc countrywide.
Zimbabwe has been infiltrated by seasoned armed robbers and murderers from neighbouring South Africa, but the police have managed to track down some of the gangs.
High-profile criminals have been accounted for, while a few have gone into hiding.
They know it is just a matter of time before the police catch them.
They have become that vigilant. It is in this regard that we applaud the ZRP for a job well done.
Security and peace are national interests that have to be upheld at all costs.
The ZRP has specialised units, such as the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Support Unit, which are trained to handle specific types of crimes.
These units have helped enhance the ZRP’s effectiveness in dealing with complex and organised criminal activities.
One of their major successes has been the drug and substance abuse campaign.
There is still a long way to go but the police have covered quite some ground in the last few months.
By the end of last year, they had seized drugs and other illegal substances worth $3,5 billion and, in the process, 13 522 people were arrested.
This is no mean achievement and as a nation, we trust that they will do even better this year to rid society of the scourge that threatens to decimate the next generation.
Drug lords have created well-knit supply systems that require the police and other stakeholders to summon their all to sniff these out.
A few other high-profile cases that have been dealt with by our law-enforcement agents include the following:
◆ On July 31, 2023, detectives from CID
AS Zimbabwe looks towards the future, it is essential to employ strategic coordination towards Vision 2030.
This ambitious plan sets out a roadmap for the country’s development, seeking to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
To achieve this vision, it is crucial to ensure effective coordination and implementation of various strategies and initiatives.
This article explores the viability of Vision 2030, the importance of strategic coordination and key elements that must be supported to realise the vision’s objectives.
Special economic zones
One crucial aspect of strategic coordination is the establishment of teams for special economic zones (SEZs). These teams would be responsible for identifying and developing specific regions with unique economic potential.
By focusing on these specialised zones, Zimbabwe can leverage on its resources and attract both domestic and foreign investments.
The teams would play a vital role in conducting feasibility studies, facilitating infrastructure development and implementing
Homicide arrested four suspects in connection with a case of robbery that occurred at Insindi Ranch, Gwanda, the day before. The robbers attacked three family members and stole US$7 800 cash and other valuables.
◆ On December 19, 2023, detectives from CID Homicide arrested five suspected robbers following a shootout in Arcadia, Harare. These included two South African nationals. Two of the robbers succumbed to injuries sustained during the shootout.
◆ In another case, detectives from CID Vehicle Theft Squad, Harare, arrested 10 suspects in connection with six counts of robbery, which occurred in and around the city between October 25, 2023 and December 13, 2023.
◆ On January 13 this year, detectives from CID Drugs and Narcotics, Harare, arrested Norah Makwavarara (40) and Dexter Muteredhe (34) in connection with unlawful possession of crystal meth.
◆ On December 29, 2023, police in Beatrice arrested seven suspects in connection with unlawful allocation of land at Longlands, Tantalom and Dabreek farms.
These cases and many more show the critical role played by the police in combating crime in this country. Their approach to crime prevention and control surpasses many law-enforcement agencies on the continent.
Furthermore, the presence of police officers in communities acts as a deterrent to potential criminals.
The visibility of law-enforcement personnel can discourage criminal activities and make the public feel safer. It is a known fact that the ZRP is always up to the task and delivers in that regard.
The public, time and again, express their confidence in the ZRP, and this is progressive.
The ZRP conducts investigations into reported crimes, which, more often than not, lead to the identification and apprehension of suspects.
This contributes to the overall detection and prosecution of criminals, providing justice to victims and their families.
Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga is on record charging his forces to targeted policies to maximise the potential of each zone.
This approach promotes economic diversification, job creation and sustainable growth.
To ensure the success of the SEZs teams, it is essential to provide them with adequate resources, authority and autonomy.
They should have the flexibility to adapt to the unique needs and opportunities of each zone.
Additionally, collaboration among the teams, Government agencies and private sector stakeholders is crucial for effective coordination and implementation.
By harnessing the expertise and resources of various actors, Zimbabwe can unlock full potential from its SEZs.
Indicators towards implementation
To monitor and evaluate the progress of any vision, it is necessary to establish clear indicators.
These indicators should be measurable, time-bound and aligned with the vision’s objectives.
By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), policymakers can assess the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives, identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions.
Indicators can include economic growth rates, employment figures, poverty reduction targets and infrastructure development milestones. Furthermore, regular reporting and transparency are essential for accountability and public trust.
Establishing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework will enable stakeholders to assess the impact of policies and interventions, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
By using indicators as a guide, Zimbabwe can stay on track towards achieving Vision ensure law and order prevail in the country.
“To that end, all elements who engage in activities that border on criminality and, worse still, those acts that are either overtly or covertly calculated to throw this country into anarchy, must be dealt with decisively,” he has said.
In its many initiatives, The ZRP has implemented community policing initiatives aimed at building trust and collaboration between the police and the public. This approach encourages citizens to actively participate in crime prevention efforts and provides an avenue for the exchange of information between the police and the community.
We have seen many incidents where the public share or expose acts that require police investigations on social media and the ZRP then moves in to investigate.
These engagements are quite positive and reflect harmony between the two parties. Such a symbiotic relationship goes a long way in ensuring law and order are maintained across the country. The ZRP always comes through and the officers’ efforts are very much appreciated.
The ZRP provides training programmes to its officers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to combat crime effectively. Training enhances the professionalism of the police force and improves their ability to handle various situations.
There are, however, some challenges. A few bad apples in the police force engage in corruption and this decreases the whole force’s credibility, something they really do not need. There is need for vigilance to alleviate such incidents.
The ZRP conducts public safety campaigns to raise awareness on crime prevention and educate the public on safety measures.
These campaigns seek to empower individuals and communities with knowledge and strategies to protect themselves from criminal activities and are very much appreciated.
Collaboration with stakeholders, including Government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community leaders, to develop and implement crime prevention strategies is also applauded.
This collaborative approach helps in identifying and addressing the root causes of crime and fosters a sense of shared 2030 and make necessary adjustments along the way.
Provincial structured frameworks
Strategic coordination towards national development should involve development of provincial structured frameworks.
These frameworks provide a localised approach to development planning, taking into account the unique characteristics and needs of each province. By empowering provincial governments, developing nations can promote inclusive growth, reduce regional disparities and ensure that no region is left behind.
The provincial structured frameworks should involve extensive consultation with local communities, businesses and civil society.
This participatory approach ensures that the strategies and initiatives implemented are aligned with the aspirations and priorities of the people.
It also fosters a sense of ownership and encourages active engagement in the development process.
In addition, the frameworks should prioritise capacity-building at the provincial level, equipping local authorities with the necessary skills and resources to drive development effectively.
Aligning of State entities
To achieve effective strategic coordination, it is crucial to align State entities towards the vision’s objectives. This requires breaking down silos and promoting interagency collaboration.
State entities should work together towards a common goal, sharing information, resources and expertise.
By fostering a culture of cooperation, Zimbabwe can avoid duplication of efforts, streamline processes and maximise the responsibility in combating criminal activities, so kudos to the ZRP.
The increase in the number of vehicles on the roads has also meant that the ZRP moves in to enforce road safety regulations. Their presence on the roads helps reduce traffic violations and contributes to the prevention of accidents and related crimes, although, of course, in some instances, they are said to cause more chaos and ask for bribes to let offenders off the hook.
This has been a cause for concern and action needs to be taken to ensure roadblocks are not money-making spots for some members of the force.
The ZRP also offers specialised training programmes for its officers in areas such as forensic investigation, cybercrime and counterterrorism, enhancing their expertise in dealing with specific types of crimes. This enables them to keep up with evolving criminal techniques.
The agents have also gained international recognition and a good reputation. Over the past few years, several officers have been deployed under the United Nations to maintain peace in some countries across the globe.
Last year, some officers were deployed to South Sudan on a peace-keeping mission, while a female officer was appointed police adviser (strategic advice and coordination) in Somalia.
Locally, public engagement programmes, including community meetings, public forums and discussions where community members can voice their concerns, ask questions and provide feedback to the police, have also helped. Such initiatives provide opportunities for the police to address community issues, clarify misconceptions and build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
The ZRP’s strong social media presence has been a winner. They have established official social media accounts to disseminate information, share updates on crime prevention efforts and interact with the public.
Through social media, the ZRP has been sharing constant updates on cases, investigations and also acted on information brought to them via social media.
Social media platforms provide an accessible and transparent channel for the public to communicate with the police and vice versa, and the ZRP has recognised its importance in communication and public engagements.
The ZRP has also established systems to address complaints and allegations of police misconduct. These mechanisms have provided channels for individuals to report incidents of misconduct, abuse or violations by police officers.
By addressing complaints promptly and transparently, the ZRP demonstrates accountability and fosters trust in the police force, both of which are commendable.
The ZRP has made efforts to combat crime through deterrence, investigations, community policing and specialised units.
Such a symbiotic relationship between the ZRP and the general citizenry goes a long way in ensuring law and order are maintained across the country.
Overall, the ZRP has made efforts to combat crime through deterrence, investigations and community policing. We acknowledge the efforts and results achieved so far while imploring the police force to do more.
In God I trust!
X handle: @VictoriaRuzvid2; Email: victoria.ruzvidzo@zimpapers.co.zw; victoria.ruzvidzo@gmail.com; WhatsApp number: 0772 129 972.
impact of Government interventions.
One way of facilitating alignment is through the establishment of inter-ministerial committees or task forces.
These bodies bring together representatives from various ministries to coordinate and oversee implementation of specific projects or initiatives. Clear lines of communication, defined roles and responsibilities and regular meetings are essential for effective collaboration.
In addition, the Government should provide incentives and recognition for entities that demonstrate exemplary coordination and contribute significantly to the vision’s realisation.
Nexus between the State and development actors
Strategic coordination towards national planning requires a strong nexus between the State and development actors. This includes the private sector, civil society organisations, the academia and international partners. Collaboration with these stakeholders is essential for resource mobilisation, knowledge sharing and leveraging expertise.
It also promotes innovation, fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhances effectiveness of development interventions.
The Government should create an enabling environment for collaboration, including the establishment of public-private partnerships, the provision of incentives for investment and the facilitation of dialogue platforms.
By engaging development actors, Zimbabwe can tap into their networks, access funding opportunities and benefit from their technical assistance. This collaboration should be based on mutual trust, shared goals and a commitment to sustainable development.
NGOING initiatives championed by President Mnangagwa’s administration to establish the Museum of African Liberation in Warren Park, Harare, are a momentous step towards decolonising our history and telling our story from an African perspective.
For too long, the narrative about Africa’s past has been defined by colonial powers seeking to justify subjugation of the continent.
But now, under the astute leadership of the President and renowned intellectual Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, the CEO of the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK), we are reclaiming the platform to shape how our liberation history is remembered. The museum — to be located in the sprawling 103-hectare Liberation City, a stone’s throw away from the National Heroes Acre — will serve as a central repository in honour of the struggle for independence across Africa.
It will archive documents, photos, videos and artifacts chronicling the revolutionary movements and the heroes who broke the yoke of colonial bondage.
Most notably, the museum plans to actively reach out to different African countries so that they contribute their pieces of history.
This Pan-African approach is crucial if we are to consolidate a shared narrative as one people with one destiny.
For far too long, Europeans have told superficial stories about African“tribes”or framed our history as a footnote in their own rise and domination of trade routes.
Books in their museums and universities subtly or brazenly pushed myths that wrongly portrayed African culture as being backward and inferior.
The Museum of African Liberation will give voice to our forebears who fought relentlessly to end this injustice. They include Samora Machel, Nelson Mandela and Kwame Nkrumah.
It will pay homage to the thousands of sons and daughters who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we are free today.
Now, Africans will be the ones educating the world about the realities of our triumph over adversity.
Beyond rewriting history, the museum also seeks to instil Pan-African consciousness and pride in the people.
In today’s world of rapid change, cultural globalisation and disinformation, it is easy for the youth to lose touch with their roots.
So, the museum will be a place where young Zimbabweans and regional visitors can experience first-hand the struggles and accomplishments of their ancestors.
Through interactive exhibits and performances, they will understand the wisdom and values that helped sustain our forefathers during the toughest of times.
This living history can ignite a fire in their hearts and give renewed meaning
OVision anchored in coordination
Strategic coordination is the cornerstone of the national plan.
It ensures that all efforts are directed towards a common purpose and that resources are utilised efficiently.
Coordination should be embedded in the vision’s framework, guiding the formulation of policies, strategies and action plans. It should be a continuous process, adapting to changing circumstances and emerging priorities.
To anchor the vision in coordination, it is crucial to establish a dedicated coordination unit or agency. This entity would be responsible for overseeing implementation of the vision, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders and monitoring progress. The coordination unit should have a clear mandate, adequate resources and access to high-level decision makers. It should also promote knowledge sharing, best practices and lessons learned to enhance coordination efforts.
Benchmarks of progress
To ensure accountability and measure progress, benchmarks should be established for Vision 2030. These benchmarks serve as milestones, allowing stakeholders to assess the pace and quality of development. Benchmarks can include specific targets for economic growth, poverty reduction, education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
They provide a clear roadmap for action and enable stakeholders to track their performance against predetermined goals.
Regular reporting on progress towards benchmarks is essential for transparency and accountability.
The Government should establish mechanisms for collecting and analysing data, ensuring that information is accurate, reliable and up-to-date.
This data-driven approach enables evidence-based to the statement by Friedrich Nietzsche, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how”.
The museum’s location within the proposed Liberation City’s entertainment complex is also a masterstroke.
By integrating education with leisure, families and international tourists will be drawn in large numbers to learn about Africa’s story while enjoying other attractions.
No doubt, this will significantly boost local tourism revenues in the process.
The hotels, amusement parks and theme areas will keep visitors engaged for longer durations while immersing them in our culture and music.
With its proximity to the central business district, the Liberation City can even stimulate real estate and commercial growth of surrounding areas over the coming decades.
Ambassador Muzawazi and his team at INSTAK deserve praise for conceiving this ambitious project and gaining the full backing of President Mnangagwa.
At a time when remnants of colonialism still seek to misportray Africa, the youthful Ambassador Muzawazi has shown foresight and courage to spearhead an initiative that places our narrative at the centre.
For the youth of Zimbabwe, he becomes an inspiring African role model who is using his skills and position to raise continental consciousness.
If it comes to fruition, the museum holds potential to put our country on the world map as a leading light in cultural preservation and intellectual decolonisation.
Going forward, Southern African Development Community member states must embrace this opportunity to strengthen African solidarity.
They must donate artifacts and records, and help piece together their roles in history.
Cooperation among nationalist organisations can ensure collections from across the continent find a rightful place in the museum.
Private fundraising can supplement Government budgets and incorporate diaspora support. Regional leaders must prioritise this project to protect our heritage for posterity. In summary, the Museum of African Liberation, under President Mnangagwa and Ambassador Muzawazi’s guidance, is an idea whose time has come.
It can play a profound role in empowering new generations of Africans with pride in their identity.
Once complete, it will add a missing link in global cultural discussions and offer an alternative and authentic perspective on our past.
Most importantly, it will ensure that the story about African liberation is never forgotten or distorted again.
Our future depends on accurately understanding where we have come from.
This museum is a giant step towards shaping our destiny.
Talent Mudenda is a Pan-African linguist, historian and researcher. His research interests are in ethnolinguistics, sociolinguistics, power of language and the role of language in the African liberation struggle. This article is part of his work in progress of a detailed biography of President Mnangagwa’s linguistic flair. decision-making, facilitates targeted interventions and promotes adaptive management.
Tools for coordination and implementation
Effective strategic coordination requires use of appropriate tools and mechanisms. These tools can include technology platforms for information sharing, project management software for tracking progress and communication channels for stakeholder engagement.
By leveraging on technology, Zimbabwe can enhance coordination efforts, improve efficiency and promote collaboration.
Additionally, capacity-building programmes should be implemented to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to coordinate and implement strategies effectively. Training programmes, workshops and knowledge-sharing platforms can enhance coordination capabilities, foster a culture of collaboration and promote innovation. Investing in human capital is essential for the sustainable implementation of the national plan.
Reinforcement of the vision
To ensure the continuity and sustainability of Vision 2030, it is crucial to reinforce it through legislation and policy frameworks.
The Government should enshrine the vision’s objectives, principles and strategies in national development plans, sectoral policies and legal frameworks.
This provides a solid foundation for coordination efforts and ensures that future Governments remain committed to the vision’s realisation. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives are essential for reinforcing the vision’s importance and garnering support from all stakeholders.
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