Freeman Razemba

Senior Reporter

AT least 39 police officers graduated today at Mkushi Camp (formerly Morris Depot) in Harare after undergoing a three-month rigorous training.

They will be responsible for transforming or training civilians into police officers.

Speaking at the event, Principal Police Staff College Commissioner Edward Tshuma said the ZRP’s mandate as prescribed by the Constitution was to detect, investigate and prevent crime, preserving internal security, protecting and securing the lives and property of the people, maintaining law and order, and upholding the Constitution and enforcing the law without fear or favour.

“This mandate places a burden and responsibility on the ZRP, of ensuring that it trains police officers who are fit for purpose as per the dictates of our Heritage Based Education 5.0 Philosophy. In this regard, the organisation declared the year 2025 and yonder a period of training for all police officers,” he said.

“The first port of call for any individual who wishes to embark on the journey of training to become a police officer is the Police Academy.

“This is where the civilian minds are reshaped so that at the end of the day, an astute police officer is produced.

“The people who are responsible for transforming these civilians into police officers are Instructors.”

He said this task involves de-learning bad habits and socialising the attested recruit into the culture of police discipline.

“This is by no means an easy task. Therefore, very few members choose to become instructors,” he said.

“I am pleased to note that you have chosen to take on this onerous task, which bears a responsibility which is both challenging and exciting. It is also important to note that traditionally, instructional duties have been associated with males, but noting that 31 percent of you are females who have chosen to endure the gruelling and so demanding instructional training programme is very pleasing and commendable.

“I want to encourage other female police officers to take up the challenge and have the courage to stand tall among their male counterparts and be the torch bearers in training police officers.

“Human capital development, in any organisation, forms the basis of its effectiveness and continued relevance. In line with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Strategic Plan Moonshot 2030 and the national aspirations of Vision 2030, the ZRP has made deliberate efforts to embrace training so that it is in tandem with the trajectory of national development. Central to this effort is innovation by all rank and file.”

The officers covered subjects such as Foot and Arms Drill, Training Methods, Management of Training, Basic Concepts of Micro-Teaching theory and practice as well as Counter-insurgency training.

“I am certain that these modules have adequately developed you to become innovative, competent and effective instructors. As you have embarked on this journey of being qualified instructors, I implore you to be exemplary to all those around you,” Comm Tshuma said.