Mayor cracks whip on indiscipline

Aleck Tabe has issued a strong warning against corruption and indiscipline within the City of Masvingo, declaring that there is “no place for incompetent elements” as 32 newly recruited municipal guards graduated following an intensive law enforcement training programme.

Speaking during a colourful pass-out ceremony held at the municipal offices, Mayor Tabe told the recruits that their conduct would be closely monitored as they take up frontline duties aimed at restoring order and enforcing municipal by-laws.

“The City of Masvingo does not have any place for incompetent, indisciplined and corrupt elements,” he said.

“Any errant behaviour will be dealt with decisively. As municipal officers, you are the frontliners in protecting the integrity of the city and ensuring that law and order prevail.”

The graduation comes at a time when urban authorities across Zimbabwe are facing mounting pressure to deal with illegal street vending, rising public disorder and increasing cases of drug and substance abuse.

The graduating class comprised 22 male and 10 female officers who completed a demanding two-week training programme designed to strengthen municipal policing and improve public safety.

Fourteen recruits graduated with distinctions, highlighting the intensity of the programme. Two female officers, Mativenga and Chapungu, received special recognition after excelling during training.

The programme was conducted at Runyararo Primary School, where recruits underwent a rigorous day-and-night training schedule over the two-week period.

Training combined theoretical and practical modules tailored to municipal law enforcement responsibilities. Officers received instruction in physical fitness, parade drills, self-defence, crowd control and public order management.

They were also trained in municipal by-law enforcement, conflict resolution, communication skills, crime prevention strategies, report writing and ethical conduct in public service.

Additional focus areas included handling public complaints, patrol techniques and dealing with offences such as illegal street vending and public nuisance violations.

Mayor Tabe also used the occasion to intensify the city's campaign against drug and substance abuse, describing it as a growing social threat requiring collective action from all stakeholders.

“It is time we unite as stakeholders to fight against the drug and substance abuse virus. It is the duty of every stakeholder to ensure that we get rid of drug and substance abuse in our communities,” he said.

He urged the recruits to continue improving themselves professionally and academically in order to strengthen service delivery.

“You must work towards upgrading yourselves in order to fulfil the hierarchy of needs and reach self-actualisation,” he added.

The ceremony attracted municipal officials, councillors, community leaders and residents, reflecting growing public interest in efforts to improve urban management and restore order within the city.

Among those in attendance were Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa, Housing Director Simbarashe Mandishona and Chamber Secretary Vitalis Shonhayi.

Mukaratirwa praised the recruits for demonstrating discipline and resilience during the demanding training programme, expressing confidence in their ability to carry out their duties professionally.

Mandishona said strengthening municipal enforcement structures remained essential in addressing growing urban management challenges facing the city.