Police to visit churches

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced plans to intensify its community policing strategy by deploying officers to churches across the country to raise awareness on crime prevention and encourage congregants to work with law enforcement in combating criminal activities.

The initiative was announced by Officer Commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Maxwell Chikunguru, during the handover of a Nissan NV300 vehicle to the Harare Provincial Police Chaplaincy by the Christian Community Police Network (CCPN).

Commissioner Chikunguru urged church leaders to play a more active role in fighting crime by encouraging congregants to report criminal activities and promoting crime prevention within their communities.

He said police officers attached to the Chaplaincy would begin visiting different church denominations during services to conduct awareness campaigns against crime and promote moral values.

Commissioner Chikunguru also stressed the importance of every church member having the contact details of their nearest police station to facilitate prompt reporting of criminal activities.

"Let it be emphasised: churches should not keep large sums of money on their premises," he said.

"To the Chaplaincy section, cultivate strong, mutual relations with the Christian Community Police Network. Visit local churches. Partner with pastors. Let us fight crime and sin together. And to you, make good and responsible use of this resource."

Describing the vehicle handover as a milestone, Commissioner Chikunguru said the donation represented more than the transfer of a vehicle.

"It is with great purpose and profound gratitude that I stand before you today to officiate at today's milestone, which is more than the handover and takeover of keys, but a symbol of trust, unity and shared responsibility in nation building," he said.

He said the brand-new Nissan NV300, imported at an estimated cost of US$9,000, was a practical demonstration of the Church's support for policing efforts.

Commissioner Chikunguru said the Christian Community Police Network had evolved into an important community policing partner, bringing together church leaders to support both local communities and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

He noted that the Police Chaplaincy had previously operated without a dedicated vehicle, limiting its ability to provide welfare services to officers and their families.

"The section is responsible for the welfare of our members: visiting the sick, comforting the bereaved, counselling the distressed, preaching the Word and interceding for the organisation. All these duties demand mobility to be carried out effectively and with dignity," he said.

"Today, that gap is being closed. The section is being given wheels to enable it to travel and serve more effectively."

Commissioner Chikunguru said the partnership reflected the growing collaboration between the police, the Church and the community in promoting peace and public safety.

"There was a time when the police stood alone. Today, the police and the community stand as one. The Church and the community are standing together to fight sin and crime," he said.

Handing over the vehicle, Harare Provincial CCPN chairperson Reverend Kuuya said the donation symbolised the Church's commitment to supporting law enforcement and strengthening community policing.

"May this vehicle become an instrument of hope, encouragement, healing and service to many," he said.

"As we hand over these keys today, we renew our commitment to continue working hand in hand with the Zimbabwe Republic Police in promoting peace, unity, integrity and community service throughout our nation."

Reverend Kuuya said the organisation believed that effective policing required officers to receive spiritual, emotional and moral support.

"As CCPN, we believe that policing is strengthened when officers receive spiritual, emotional and moral support. Behind every uniform is a human being who faces challenges, loss, stress and family responsibilities," he said.

"Through the Chaplaincy, we seek to ensure that no officer or family feels forgotten during difficult times."

He added that the Church remained committed to supporting the Zimbabwe Republic Police in its efforts to combat crime.

"This donation stands as a clear testament that the Church is solidly behind the Police and the fight against crime. The concerns of the Police are our concerns," Reverend Kuuya said.