ZRP dismisses allegations against police commissioner

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has described recent allegations leveled against the ZRP Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, as misplaced and calculated at tarnishing the image of the ZRP.

This follows a recent letter sent to a Newsday reporter by an unidentified person purporting to be representing police officers leveraging claims and allegations of corruption and maladministration in the force.

In a statement, Chief Police Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the allegations are mere works of misguided and corrupt elements within and outside the force who are trying to use disgruntled and corrupt individuals to achieve their regime change machinations and security sector reform agenda.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba said some political parties, individuals and certain non-governmental organisations are pushing for security sector reforms and have even underfunded the ZRP's operations to fuel disgruntlement.

Commissioner Charamba said the police force is facing financial challenges due to underfunding by treasury.

She also said it is disturbing that some unscrupulous individuals and groups are now accessing police sensitive information and leaking it to the media to cause alarm and despondency to hardworking and disciplined police officer.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba added that the ZRP is a disciplined force which does not condone any corrupt acts by any members, adding that anyone caught engaging in any misdemeanor will be dealt with severely.