Mugabe hails Zimbabwe Defence Forces

President Mugabe yesterday paid tribute to the country's security services for their contribution towards the maintenance of a conducive and peaceful environment that has promoted the country's economic growth.

He said this at the 2016 President's Medal Shooting competition at Cleveland Range in Harare.

The event ran under the theme "Nurturing Skills and Arms for the Resolute Defence of the Constitution and National Sovereignty for Social and Economic Growth".

Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Chief Prison Officer Sarah Sebata and Zimbabwe National Army Four Brigade, Corporal John Dzovani were the outstanding shootists.

President Mugabe said Zimbabwe continued to be a safe destination for investors and tourists due to the peace and stability that the security forces have managed to uphold since independence.

President Mugabe applauded the organisers of the shooting competition for creating an environment for civilians to interact with the security forces, thereby cultivating and promoting cordial co-existence between security forces and civilians.

President Mugabe encouraged the shootists to compete regionally and internationally.

Meanwhile, the AFZ gave President Mugabe an honorary shooting award.

Minister of Defence Sydney Sekeramayi, Commander Defence Forces General Constantino Chiwenga and Commander AFZ Air Marshal Shiri also received honorary awards.