'Female cops will be promoted on merit'

Advancing women to positions previously dominated by men in the police service should be done consciously to avoid promoting poor performers, police chief Augustine Chihuri said yesterday.

Speaking at ZRP's 2016 Women's Network Annual General Meeting held in Harare, Chihuri said while promoting women, the thrust is not about a quantitative balance but qualitative.

The network enhances the empowerment of women police officers countrywide.

Chihuri said society should also reject the retrogressive notion that women belong in the kitchen.

"Let me hasten to caution that equal opportunities do not entail promoting mediocre performance as that would be tantamount to discriminating against men. For us, the ball remains in our women officers' court to show dedication and commitment to their work and even to surpass their male counterparts."

Chihuri said women should also stay at work in season and out of season to be recognised in the police service.

Chihuri encouraged the Women's Network in their capacity as law enforcers to tackle gender-based violence saying it was now a national problem.

"My appeal to you is that make gigantic strides and continue going out in full force nipping this malady from our midst," Chihuri said.