ZRP rations to be audited: Mutamba... Police boss introduces re-training of officers
The ZRP will start checking how food rations are shared at police stations after reports that some senior officers are abusing the system, NewsDay has learned.
This audit is part of several new steps introduced by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba. He is currently meeting with senior officers from all over Zimbabwe to address growing concerns about bad behaviour in the police force, including corruption.
Junior officers have complained that some of their bosses are selling food supplies meant for them. They have asked Mutamba to step in and make sure the food is shared fairly. It’s also alleged that some senior officers are taking items like rice, sugar, potatoes, cooking oil, and eggs home to their families, leaving the junior officers with nothing.
ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that police officers are also undergoing re-training, which has already started.
“As we speak, officers’ trainings have been ongoing since January across the board for both junior and senior officers. Currently, we have some under training at Mkushi Academy, formerly Morris Depot, where superintendents are undergoing training.
“We have officers-in-charge in Shamva. Our training is ongoing and cascading to junior members. Whatever information is being said, the Commissioner-General has directed that training must be done in terms of performance, provision, discipline and assurance that police officers are well-informed on how the government system operates. It's a wholesome training programme not targeting any particular topic but anything relevant to policing,” he said.
Nyathi said the force was investigating reports that rations were being stolen at police stations.
According to allegations made by their juniors, some senior officers are allegedly taking rice, sugar, potatoes, cooking oil and eggs to their families, depriving junior officers of the privilege.
They also alleged that the leakages are rampant throughout the ranks, as bosses loot with low-ranking cops end up being disadvantaged.
