Zimbabwe police officers soaked as rains destroy tents

Scores of police officers in Chipinge, Manicaland, were left stranded this week after torrential rains destroyed their makeshift tent bases, leaving them without shelter or a place to operate from. The heavy downpours, which affected various parts of Zimbabwe, particularly hit areas where permanent police structures have not been established, forcing officers to rely on temporary tents.

On Wednesday night, police officers in Chipinge and other parts of Masvingo province had to endure uncomfortable conditions as they sought alternative accommodation. The tents, which had already been deemed in poor condition, were either flooded or completely destroyed by the rains, leaving officers vulnerable to the elements.

Junior police officers have raised concerns about the lack of action from their superiors, claiming that the need for replacement tents has been repeatedly highlighted during inspections. "We have had several inspections, and each time, the bosses notice that the tents need to be replaced, but they do not mention that when they report back," said one officer, speaking anonymously to NewsDay. "They report back that everything is fine, yet it will be a looming disaster when they see the old tents. We have been reduced to vagrants."

The destroyed tents have disrupted the essential operations of the police force and compromised the officers' well-being. In some instances, officers had to spend the night struggling to find temporary shelter after their accommodation was rendered uninhabitable by the storms.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the destruction of tents in Zimuto but downplayed reports from Chipinge. "I have been briefed about Zimuto. It has been communicated to the command and the matter is being addressed," Nyathi said. However, he dismissed claims from officers in Chipinge, accusing them of trying to create "misunderstanding" by using social media to spread false reports.

Despite Nyathi's denial, police officers in the affected areas are calling for urgent intervention. "This is the beginning of the rainy season, so authorities should treat this as an urgent matter," one officer stated. "We need better working conditions to carry out our duties with diligence. We can't be worrying about broken tents when policing is a crucial service in the community."

The ongoing issues with temporary accommodation are part of broader complaints about the poor working conditions within the police force. Officers have long expressed dissatisfaction with inadequate remuneration, outdated equipment, and substandard facilities. In a separate incident, officers at Borrowdale Police Station in Harare recently highlighted the dilapidated state of their toilets, despite the station serving affluent neighborhoods that house high-ranking government officials and diplomats.

As the rainy season intensifies, police officers are urging the government to prioritize their welfare and ensure that they have suitable conditions to effectively serve and protect the public.