Cops bitter over Youth Games allowances

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POLICE authorities have reportedly reneged on an agreement to settle outstanding allowances to cops who were deployed to provide security for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under­–20 Youth Games held in December 2014.

POLICE authorities have reportedly reneged on an agreement to settle outstanding allowances to cops who were deployed to provide security for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under­–20 Youth Games held in December 2014.

NQOBANI NDLOVU STAFF REPORTER More than 1 000 senior and junior police officers from various police stations across the country were selected to provide services for the games held between December 4 and 15 in Bulawayo at an agreed rate of $55 daily.

The cops were left angry when authorities decided to pay them $10 allowances per day for the games, shattering their plans for the festive season.

“They should approach the finance department if they have any problems with the allowances and not approach the media,” Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba
“They should approach the finance department if they have any problems with the allowances and not approach the media,” Police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba

“There is no communication whatsoever since December as to when we will be paid the outstanding monies,” said one police officer, who was part of the team deployed to provide security for the games.

Other police officers expressed fear that their outstanding allowances went to the pockets of their superiors.

The allowances are known as paid-up duties which are paid by any organisation, church or company seeking police security during an event.

Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the disgruntled cops should approach the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Finance Department if they had any queries.

“They should approach the finance department if they have any problems with the allowances and not approach the media,” she said before curtly hanging up.

In December, Charamba defended the payment of the $10 per day allowances instead of the agreed $55 rate, saying the cops received food and refreshments during the games.

She, however, indicated that they would receive the outstanding fees. Just before the games, there was disgruntlement within the rank and file of the ZRP in Bulawayo following the force’s decision to deploy scores of Harare-based officers.