Harare, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has made significant strides towards establishing its own dedicated university as part of efforts to enhance professionalism among its members.
This emerged at the graduation of 553 officers at the 41st Police Staff College Graduation Ceremony held at the ZRP General Headquarters this week.
The graduation ceremony, which featured 337 males and 216 females, marked 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 was the guest of honour, emphasized the importance of gender equity within the police force, urging the authorities to enrol more female officers in future courses.
Commending the ZRP for its educational initiatives, Kazembe stated, “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.”
He praised the ZRP for partnering with institutions of higher learning, noting that such collaborations have become essential for effective policing in a complex environment.
Graduates received diplomas from the University of Zimbabwe in programs including Law, Business Enterprise Development, Policing and Community Education, as well as Lifelong Learning.
In addition, 365 officers earned certificates in specialized areas such as Training Methods and Sign Language. Speaking at the same occasion, Higher Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Fredrick Shava underscored the importance of the proposed Police University.
“This initiative represents a transformative investment in law enforcement and public safety,” he stated. Shava highlighted the need for officers to be equipped with comprehensive skills to address contemporary policing challenges, including drug abuse and domestic violence.
He noted that the introduction of diploma programs in Cyber Security Management and Forensic Science Investigations is a crucial step, 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,” he said.
New Ziana