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Crime Reporter
GOVERNMENT has commended the police for its zero tolerance against corruption which has resulted in a number of officers being discharged from the force after being caught on the wrong side of the law.
Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi yesterday said society expected police officers to lead by example and to should shun all forms of corruption.

He was speaking at the Zimbabwe Republic Police 2013 Senior Officers Conference in Harare. Minister Mohadi said corrupt activities denied the people justice and retarded development.

“Accordingly, as the Ministry we are grateful to the command of the Zimbabwe Republic Police for maintaining a zero tolerance to corruption among police officers as well as members of the public. Quite a number of police officers who were caught on the wrong side of the law were discharged from the police service, a feat which mirrors the organisation’s commitment to rid itself of unprincipled police officers,” he said.

Minister Mohadi commended members of the public for their unwavering support to the police.
“It is important, therefore, that the police officers retain that support and trust from the members of the public by conducting themselves, as they discharge their duties on a high moral platform,” said Minister Mohadi.

“The society expects police officers to lead exemplary and unblemished lives, hence members of the organisation should shun all forms of corruption.”

Minister Mohadi said Government was mindful of the fact that policing the world over was an expensive exercise which required meaningful and constant injection of material and financial resources. He said the ministry would tirelessly lobby for resources to ameliorate challenges being faced by the force. These include shortage of transport, office and residential accommodation and poor remuneration.

Minister Mohadi said apart from protecting lives and property, the force was expected to consistently support Government efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the people.  He called the force to ensure a peaceful and tranquil environment in which the Government’s new economic blue print, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset) could be implemented.

Minister Mohadi commended the force for diligently policing the referendum, harmonised elections and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly which was co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in August.  The officers commanding provinces, police chief staff officers and directors are attending the three-day senior officers conference which is expected to end tomorrow.