Over 100 Zimbabwe cops blacklisted for corruption

by Staff reporter

2013 January 07 15:45:46 | 2809 Views

The ZRP Officer Commanding Harare Province, Clemence Munoriyarwa confirmed yesterday that over a hundred police officers had been reported and cited for corruption.

He spoke to hundreds of officers and other delegates who gathered in Highfield Harare for a Police Service Charter re-launch as he reiterated that it was ideal that police re-ignite the confidence and trust that they once carried among public members. The escalating complaints registered against the police had triggered a serious review on police professionalism and conduct. As he deplored dishonesty and greed by some officers, he added that the arm of corruption had mainly derailed public confidence in police service and it was about time the police returned to the principles stated on the service charter and serve the public in a professional capacity through executing proper police duties and functions.

As reported, thousands of corruption complaints especially by road traffic police reach the senior police officers daily from the public. Any reported officers risk facing the wrath of the law through the criminal justice system or internal tribunal justice as exercised through provisions of the Police Act. Those found guilty risk being permanently discharged from the force.

Based on a report from the Police Chief, in 2012, 103 police officers were arrested for corruption. Of the cited culprits, 32 were tried at criminal courts and 60 under the Police Act as 11 were discharged from service.

The service charter is a mission statement that stipulates the police values and purpose of mission and service as a social contract between the police and members of the public. It was initially launched in 1995 and its purpose is to build public confidence through a responsible partnership to combat national crime as police are mandated to operate within professional parameters.

The Police Chief admitted that of all complaints against police misconduct, corruption was the root cause in the derailment of the service charter and the head office was concerned by the escalated complaints. Resultantly, as a countermeasure, "We have adopted an aggressive and ruthless approach against corrupt members," he said.

Referring o the upcoming 2013 elections, Officer Monoriyarwa reiterated that the wishes and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe should be respected. He appealed for peace and tolerance among the citizenry to enable the nation to be peaceful, to prosper and develop. From the police he expected proper service.

In the past, non-governmental organisations have accused the ZRP of selective application of the law, particularly during election periods as some officers reportedly play to the whims of partisanship.

He wound up his speech by denouncing violence as he called for national peace.

Blacklisted Corruption

Source: zimeye