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Crime Reporter

Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has urged all officers countrywide to be fully vaccinated as they are the front liners in the fight against crime.

He said this while addressing nine officers who recently returned to the country from a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

At least seven others are expected to leave the country to South Sudan on a similar mission.

Comm-Gen Matanga said Government has demonstrated its commitment by continuing to secure sufficient quantities of vaccines so that everyone is vaccinated.

“Let me also highlight that in view of the Covid-19 pandemic that has wreaked havoc globally, we are all expected to be fully vaccinated. Government has demonstrated its commitment by continuing to secure sufficient quantities of the vaccines so that every citizen is vaccinated and no one is left behind.

“As public servants and also front liners in the fight against crime, we should take the lead in this national drive that is aimed at achieving herd immunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Comm-Gen General Matanga challenged officers that will be leaving the country to shun all forms of behaviour that might bring the police service and the country into disrepute.

“I, therefore, wish to say to the outgoing contingent, as you partake of the arduous task ahead, always be mindful that you are duty-bound to foster and sustain peace where you are being deployed.

“The pace has already been set by your colleagues deployed before you. To this end, never for a moment should you lose sight of the fact that we have sent you to South Sudan to be ambassadors of the organisations and indeed of our nation, Zimbabwe.

“You should thus shun all forms of behaviour that might bring our organisation and country into disrepute. It is my conviction that you will perform to the best of your ability and in so doing continue to do the organisation and nation proud,” he said.

To those that returned, Comm-Gen Matanga said the ZRP continues to leave indelible footprints on the international peace-keeping arena.