Harare Correspondent
Harare — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is making significant progress towards the establishment of its own university, aimed at enhancing professionalism among its members.
This announcement came during the graduation ceremony of 553 officers at the 41st Police Staff College Graduation Ceremony held at the ZRP General Headquarters this week.
The ceremony saw 337 males and 216 females graduate, marking a notable increase in female participation from 209 last year, with women now comprising 37 percent of the graduating class.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who served as the guest of honor, stressed the importance of gender equity within the Police force, urging authorities to enroll more female officers in future training programs.
“The establishment of our own university will significantly enhance the professional development of officers, equipping them to tackle modern challenges, including transnational organized crime and cyber threats,” Kazembe stated.
He commended the ZRP for its educational initiatives and highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions of higher learning, noting that such collaborations are essential for effective policing in today’s complex environment.
The graduates received diplomas from the University of Zimbabwe in various programs, including Law, Business Enterprise Development, Policing and Community Education, and Lifelong Learning. Additionally, 365 officers earned certificates in specialized areas such as Training Methods and Sign Language.
Higher Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Fredrick Shava also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the proposed Police University.
“This initiative represents a transformative investment in law enforcement and public safety,” he remarked.
Shava highlighted the necessity for officers to be equipped with comprehensive skills to address contemporary policing challenges, including drug abuse and domestic violence.
He further noted the introduction of diploma programs in Cyber Security Management and Forensic Science Investigations, calling for these programs to be upgraded to degree level.
“We need officers who are not only trained but are also innovative in tackling the pressing issues facing our society,” Shava concluded.
As the ZRP moves forward with plans for its own university, the focus remains on fostering a well-trained and professional police force capable of addressing the evolving challenges in law enforcement.
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