Obert Mpofu ignorant on Neighbourhood Watch committee

Home Affairs Minister Obert Mpofu has expressed ignorance over the arrangements between the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Neighbourhood Watch committee in terms of their incentives.

Mpofu made the remarks when he was asked by a senator in parliament.

"I am not sure whether the question is on policy or on the operations. In my own view, I think it is a question on operations of the Neighbourhood Watch Committees whether they are paid or not. The Members of the neighbourhood are doing it as voluntary work," said Mpofu.

"The Neighborhood Watch Committees are doing a voluntary work, they are people who understand the community and they are trying to assist the policeman. I do not know what their arrangement with the police or their terms of reference. However, since it is a question that is directed to the work that the policemen do, I will try to go and ask their leaders on whether they are paid or not when they do the duties of a police officer and if they are paid, are they paid by the Government or the community or there are means used to pay them."

Mpofu said in my own understanding, neighbourhood watch is voluntary work, yet it is a very important job helping the community to arrest corruption and anyone who goes against the law.

"I will go back and ask who is supposed to pay them if they are paid," Mpofu.