Junior cops resist fundraising bid

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ATTEMPTS by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to use the existing chain of command to forcefully raise funds for its internal Kuyedza Club is facing stiff resistance from junior officers who are refusing to pay monthly subscriptions.

ATTEMPTS by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to use the existing chain of command to forcefully raise funds for its internal Kuyedza Club is facing stiff resistance from junior officers who are refusing to pay monthly subscriptions. BLESSED MHLANGA STAFF REPORTER

Kuyedza is a club for wives of police officers and membership is voluntary.

A Senior Assistant Commissioner Shadreck Mubaiwa was recently forced to cancel a fundraising dinner dance for the club after officers refused to each pay $20 for the function that was set for Gweru.

In a leaked police radio communication dated October 20, Mubaiwa said the dinner dance had been cancelled and all male members were now supposed to pay $10 towards the Kuyedza Club.

“Following consultations and discussions during (a) commanders’ meeting which was on October 9, it was unanimously resolved to do away with the ZRP Kuyedza dinner dance,” Mubaiwa said.

“It was further resolved that capital for initiation of projects activities (sic) by ZRP Kuyedza be raised through contributions by all male members of the force in the Midlands province and are to contribute $10 each,” reads part of the memo.

Some cops that spoke on condition they were not named said there was a groundswell of resistance against the forced contributions and Mubaiwa’s order had simply been ignored.

“We are tired of being used to raise funds which are spent by the top brass for their own benefits,” said one officer.

“This club, as you can see in the standing orders, is for women. Why should we be forced to pay $10 each from our meagre salaries?”

Another cop said the club was voluntary and, therefore, police commanders should not force them to join and pay money towards a club that was not transparent.

On October 1, Mubaiwa sent a memo demanding that officers pay for the cancelled dinner without fail by the time the commanders’ meeting was held.

“Repeated hereunder is PROPOL (provincial police commissioner) Midlands Radio number KM 81/14 dated September 30 . . . may all commanders ensure that all members have paid their initial $10 for the month of September.

All commanders to bring all the contributions accompanied by nominal rolls at the commanders’ meeting.

Stations to collect all the money and submit to headquarters by October 7 without fail,” read part of the radio which was ignored.