Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, has expressed strong concerns over corruption within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and pledged to take action to halt unnecessary international travel by senior officers.
Speaking at an annual strategic planning workshop in Kwekwe, Kazembe highlighted the lack of proper training programs within the force and criticized the prevailing culture of indiscipline. He emphasized that corruption has become widespread, with officers regularly soliciting bribes. Kazembe also noted the growing lawlessness on the country’s roads, contributing to increasing fatalities, and underscored the urgent need for reform within the police force.
“There is a lot that needs to be done in terms of police discipline, particularly with regards to corruption. It’s become a norm for police officers to ask for bribes,” Kazembe stated.
He also voiced his dissatisfaction with the ZRP’s failure to conduct police pass-out parades, something he has not witnessed during his five years as minister. In contrast, he pointed out that both the Prisons and Defence forces continue to hold such ceremonies.
Kazembe was also critical of the ZRP’s priorities, pointing out that while senior officers frequently travel abroad, junior officers are left without basic necessities like uniforms. In response, he vowed to withhold any approvals for international travel for the remainder of the year.
“Where are your priorities? You claim there is no money to buy uniforms, yet I sign off on Cabinet Authorities for international travel every day,” Kazembe remarked. “I will not approve any Cabinet Authority this year.”
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