Acting Commissioner-General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Godwin Matanga has blamed lack of proper supervision for some of the misconduct by police officers.
Under the administration of Matanga’s predecessor, retired Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri, the ZRP became very unpopular with the public. The ZRP became notorious for setting up numerous roadblocks across the country’s roads which motorists alleged were used as a means of extorting them. Addressing the Officers Commanding Police Provinces, Chief Staff Officers and Directors, Matanga said:
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am fully alive of the resource constraints that impede on police operations. However, be assured that Government is fully seized with the matter.
The Minister of Home Affairs and Culture, Dr Obert Mpofu, in his maiden address to all departments under his portfolio assured us that he would work tirelessly to ensure we are properly resourced. Therefore, let us embrace this commitment so that we deliver quality service to our nation.
This is an opportunity of redeeming the ZRP to its well-known reputation of being the EYE OF THE NATION
– Ziso Re Povo.There is a well-known Shona saying that, “Kugona Chivi Kuzvituka,” (The best cure for evil is self-reproach) may I, therefore, urge all of us to self-introspect, accept that our challenges emanate from lack of or inadequate supervision and unbecoming actions by some of our members which have no doubt eroded public trust, faith and confidence in the Police Service.
