Minister Kazembe to stop senior Police travels

The Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, has strongly criticised the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for rampant corruption, lack of discipline, and mismanagement of resources, particularly in prioritising overseas travel for senior officers over the needs of junior staff.

Speaking at the official opening of an annual strategic planning and review workshop in Kwekwe, Kazembe expressed frustration at what he described as misplaced priorities and systemic failures within the police force.

"It is now a norm for police officers to ask for bribes, and this lawlessness is costing lives on our roads," said Kazembe. "We need to address the corruption that has taken root in the force. Discipline must be restored."

Kazembe criticised the frequent international trips undertaken by senior officers, which he said drain resources while junior officers face basic challenges such as a lack of uniforms. He declared that he would not authorise any Cabinet Approvals for international police trips this year.

"I am shocked to see senior police officers taking endless trips outside the country while junior officers lack basic uniforms. Where are your priorities?" Kazembe asked. "I sign Cabinet Authorities daily for these trips, but I will not do it this year. Focus must shift to addressing critical issues at home."

The Minister also highlighted the absence of regular training and induction programmes, which he said contribute to indiscipline within the force. He noted with concern that he had not witnessed a single pass-out parade since assuming his ministerial position five years ago, in stark contrast to the Prisons and Defence Forces, which maintain regular training cycles.

"The lack of training is evident in the indiscipline we are seeing. The ZRP must urgently reintroduce comprehensive training programmes. Pass-out parades are essential for instilling discipline and professionalism, yet none have been conducted since I became Minister," he said.

Kazembe's remarks come amid growing public outcry over road accidents and reports of corruption involving police officers demanding bribes at checkpoints.

The strategic planning workshop, held in Kwekwe, is expected to focus on setting new priorities for the ZRP to address these challenges. Minister Kazembe emphasised that the police force must realign its operations to better serve the public, with an emphasis on accountability, discipline, and effective resource management.

"We cannot continue on this path of indiscipline and corruption. The safety and trust of our citizens depend on the reforms we undertake today," he concluded.

The Minister's comments signal a potential shake-up within the ZRP, with increased scrutiny expected on its leadership, operational practices, and resource allocation.