GOVERNMENT has directed security forces not to buy
mealie-meal from shops while in uniform as they will access the product from
their cantonments.
Police officers were last week banned from buying
mealie-meal while on duty.
This follows a public outcry that some police officers were
abusing their position while on duty controlling mealie-meal queues around the
country to unfairly access the product.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul
Nyathi confirmed the development in an interview yesterday.
He said the mealie-meal scheme has also been extended to
other members of the uniformed forces, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and the
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police has put in place
measures to ensure that police officers access mealie-meal at cantonment
canteens.
“Arrangements are being made for police officers to get
mealie-meal at canteens. This is an arrangement for the uniformed forces, not
police alone, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correction Services are also benefitting
from the same facility, Zimbabwe Defence Forces members are also benefitting.
This is a programme which we hope will benefit all officers,” said Asst Com
Nyathi.
Asst Comm Nyathi urged police officers to shun corruption
and said any officers found on the wrong side of the law face disciplinary
hearings as provided in the Police Act and the Criminal Law and Codification
Act.
“For example, in Bulawayo, as we speak, there are
deliveries of mealie-meal which are being made so that officers can access
mealie-meal from Ross Camp.
This is meant to ensure that they focus on their work while
implementing lockdown enforcement measures and that they do not mix and stampede
with civilians who will be waiting for mealie-meal in queues. This is effective
since last week,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
“We do not condone acts of corruption, criminality. If
there are any officers out there who try to take advantage of the situation, the
law will take its course.
“We urge the public to bring objective reports as some of
the reports are exaggerated, but we will investigate each report. If there is
any wrong doing, action will be taken.
“We want to caution the public against circulating false
messages which at the end of the day tarnish the image of the police force,” he
said.
Asst Comm Nyathi urged police officers to exhibit exemplary
conduct during the lockdown period. Chronicle
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