New Municipal Police and Fire-fighters For Mutare

Sharon Chigeza

MUTARE-The City of Mutare recently recruited and trained over 80 municipal police officers and 18 firefighters as the local authority remains committed to serving and protecting the community.

Acting town clerk, Blessing Chafesuka said the officers were trained in a variety of courses to mould positive behaviour and conduct in executing their duties within the city.

“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of training for the newly graduated recruits of the Mutare Municipal Police and Fire-fighters. The passout parade, which took place in Vumba, marked a significant milestone in their careers as they prepare to serve and protect our community,” said Chafesuka.

He added that the programme courses included, Public Relations, Customer Care, Enforcement of Municipal By-laws, Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Municipal By-Laws, and Standard Practice Fire Drills. It also focused on moulding positive behaviour and conduct among municipal police officers, with emphasis on how they can improve, relate and communicate with stakeholders, residents, ratepayers, and the general public.

“We recognise the importance of treating our stakeholders with dignity and respect. We are committed to reforming our employees to uphold this standard in their line of duty,” said Chafesuka.

He acknowledged that behaviour change was not an overnight process but assured the public they will reap the desired results of transformation over time. “While we understand that changing and moulding behaviour may take time, we assure our ratepayers of our dedication to this transformation. Our goal is to ensure that our municipal police officers exemplify professionalism, respect, and courtesy in their interactions with the public,” he added.

He congratulated the new recruits urging them to remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents in the city.

“We are confident that their dedication and hard work during their training have prepared them for the crucial roles they will play in enhancing the safety and well-being of our citizens. We look forward to their valuable contributions to our community,” said Chafesuka.

The council spokesperson also said the local authority was also working towards reducing unemployment and curbing manpower shortages.

One of the firefighters from the recent passout, John Chikumbu said he was overwhelmed to be part of a vibrant team and was looking forward to working efficiently in putting out fire in the city.

Another fire-fighter, Lindiwe Moyo said several residential houses were prone to fires and pledged to commit herself to protecting such residents from harm and destruction.

“We have had several incidents of fires breaking out in homes. My heart bleeds for the loss of property and at time lives in such fires. I believe with my newly acquired skills I will be able to defend and protect the residents of Mutare as we do everything possible in our capacity to minimise damages,” said Moyo.

Mutare City council is one of the recipients of three fire tenders acquired by the Government through the Belarusian agreement.

In 2019 President Emmerson Mnangagwa sought out bilateral relations with Belarus resulting in agreements, earlier this year on the procurement of affordable fire tenders and equipment in the area of disaster and risk management cooperation.