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Terrence
Ndowora
A recent visit by the minister of Home
Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe and Commissioner General of
Police, Godwin Matanga to Masvingo province revealed an array of shortages of
resources in police departments chief among them being the shortage of toilets
at many camps.
The officer commanding police in
Masvingo province, Commissioner David Mahoya told Kazembe and Comm Gen Matanga
that the province was faced with shortages of toilets, offices, police
vehicles, stationery, fuel and accommodation among others.
Comm Mahoya said the case of Rujeko
police station was worrying saying under normal circumstances the station would
be condemned as there were no toilets and a confined office space.
“Literally, there is no police station
here, there are no toilets, place is small, officer in charge shares office and
no vehicles to deliver services,” said Comm Mahoya.
Comm Gen Matanga said the police was
failing to provide accommodation to police officers which was affecting their
security and service delivery.
“The ZRP has only 12 000 housing units
that are accommodating 18 760 police officers. Over 30 000 police officers are
renting private accommodation, a situation which compromises security of
members as well as service delivery,” said Comm Gen Matanga.
Minister Kazembe responded saying the
government was aware of the accommodation plight and efforts to establish proper
accommodation was being considered.
“The shortage of accommodation which
has, unfortunately resulted in some members seeking private rental
accommodation, has always been a cause for concern.
“Concerted efforts are being made to
ensure police officers and members get decent accommodation.
“I
have noted that the station is facing an acute shortage of transport and fuel. Police
officers need to attend crime scenes in time in order to guard against the loss
of evidence.
“Government remains alive to this
challenge and efforts are being made to improve police agility and
effectiveness through procurement of more operational vehicles,” said Kazembe.
