Take gender-based violence seriously, says Chihuri

SENIOR female police officers must prioritise investigations into gender-based violence to curb the abuse of women, Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri has said.

Comm-Gen Chihuri made the remarks when he addressed senior female officers at the 2016 Women Network Annual General Meeting in Harare on Thursday.

"True gender equality also requires tackling gender-based violence. This is a national problem. As the law enforcement agency, let us not be part of the Ostrich Syndrome. We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand and wish the problem away.

"It is time the ZRP Women Network stood up to be counted. Gender-based violence in all its forms is a blight on society and should never ever be allowed to reach horrific levels," he said.

Comm-General Chihuri applauded the Victim Friendly Unit and Press and Public Relations Section of the ZRP for raising awareness against gender- based violence.

"My appeal to you is that, make gigantic strides and continue going out in full force nipping this un-Zimbabwean malady from our midst. Our mothers and daughters deserve to be respected and not abused," he said.

He said the network should play a central role in fighting crime.

Comm-General Chihuri said the ZRP was upholding gender balance in the force.

"I hope you also noted recently, from our peacekeeping contingents which returned from South Sudan and Liberia that there were equal numbers of both male and female police officers. We applaud these achievements and pray that you remain focused as you march into the future alongside your brothers," he said.

The ZRP Women Network was established in 2009 under the auspices of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation with the aim of promoting gender equality.