MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-The ZRP and the media have reaffirmed their long-standing working relationship, with a strong call for unity, shared responsibility and enhanced public safety as the festive season begins.
This emerged during a Police–Media engagement meeting hosted by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) on December 16, held at the Masvingo Province Police boardroom.
The meeting was attended by journalists and senior police officials, led by ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Chairperson of MISA Masvingo Advocacy Committee Sukuoluhle Ndlovu, pointed out how this engagement is important as it helps create a good relationship between the police and the journalists.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Nyathi said the engagement was part of a long-standing tradition aimed at strengthening cooperation between the police and the media.
“It is our traditional engagement every year, between the police and the media, to engage regularly so as to know where we stand towards the end of the year, as we serve one constituency — the people of Zimbabwe.
“We must have a common understanding. It is very important to regularly meet and exchange ideas so that we move as a team on our different portfolios.
“Looking at the year 2025, the relationship between the police and the Masvingo media was cordial,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
However, he highlighted the need to review and strengthen the existing five-year action plan guiding the police-media.
“There is need to review our five-year action plan. It needs to be enhanced. We must always remember where we started, where we are now, our strengths, weaknesses and challenges, and how we go forward,” Commissioner Nyathi explained.
He emphasized that the media remains a critical stakeholder in policing.
“The media is part of the police. There is no way the police can engage communities without the involvement of the media. Some of the issues that affect communities, the police get to know through the media,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi raised concern over violent crimes, including murder cases linked to mental health challenges and alcohol abuse.
“We have murder cases caused by mentally challenged people. The media must assist us in constantly reminding communities that mental illness should never be ignored because it affects the whole community.
“We have situations where people kill each other over petty issues, emanating from beer drinking spaces, fighting over a chair or sharing beer,” he said
As Zimbabwe enters the festive season, Commissioner Nyathi warned of increased criminal risks, especially linked to social media usage.
“People post on social media while they are at resorts, giving thieves an opportunity to know that they are away from home. The media must help us raise awareness.
“Be aware of scammers such as chadonha. It has been happening for too long, but people seem to take it for granted as cases continue to increase.
“Never get help on money transactions from people you do not know. Do not share PIN numbers. Criminals take advantage during the festive season,” he said.
Road safety was another major concern, particularly night driving.
“We are saying it is in the interests of the people not to opt for night driving. Observation challenges at night cause head-on collisions and loss of life,” he said, echoing remarks made by Commissioner General of Police Stephen Mutamba in a recent festive season statement.
He also expressed concern over cross-border buses stopping in unsafe areas.
“Some buses stop in bushy areas and passengers are attacked by criminals. Buses must stop at designated resting places for the safety of passengers,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi further urged transport operators to properly record passenger details to assist investigations in cases of robbery along highways.
Drug and substance abuse was described as a national crisis.
“No one is spared police officers, journalists, the young and adults. This is a war we must all fight. Regardless of rank, the law is the law,” he said.
He urged the media to encourage communities to report drug dealers, especially during the school holidays, noting that some individuals take advantage of this period to lure children into drug use.
He emphasized the media’s role in helping to educate and protect society.
Commissioner Nyathi also raised alarm over rising rape cases, including incidents involving close relatives.
“It is disturbing that close relatives are raping toddlers — uncles, cousins, people trusted to protect them,” he said.
He noted an increase in child-related crimes, including cases of children killing parents over witchcraft allegations, and emphasized the need for police protection for schoolchildren.
He urged that children must also be educated not to accept gifts from strangers.
Stock theft was identified as another growing challenge, with an increase in cases involving stolen animals being sold to restaurants and food outlets.
Commissioner Nyathi highlighted the importance of regulations against night stock transportation as a response to this trend.
He revealed that national highway patrol units have been deployed during the festive season and emphasized that everyone has a duty to report reckless drivers.
He also encouraged motorists to familiarize themselves with the road traffic regulations.
Commissioner Nyathi reaffirmed the ZRP’s commitment to protecting journalists in the line of duty, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the police especially junior officers, to ensure the safety of journalists in the field.
Veteran journalist and MISA board of trustee member Chris Chinaka paid tribute to Masvingo Province advocacy committee, acknowledging that it is achieving what other provinces have struggled to do.
He emphasized that both the police and journalists must work to earn public trust by demonstrating their value to the community.
