Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed as unverified media claims that senior officers were stealing food rations meant for junior police members, describing the allegations as unsupported and urging those with credible information to come forward.

The response follows a story published in a local daily newspaper alleging that some high-ranking officers were diverting rations meant for lower-ranking personnel.

In a statement issued yesterday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Commissioner-General of Police is not aware of any such incidents but is treating the matter seriously.

“The Commissioner-General of Police is not aware of the allegations. He is therefore frantically trying to ascertain the veracity of the claims. Anyone with credible and verifiable information is free to personally come to Police General Headquarters and confidentially give the information directly to the Commissioner-General,” said Commissioner Nyathi

He assured officers and the public that systems are in place to safeguard the integrity of the police ration distribution scheme. According to Commissioner Nyathi, all commanders are fully aware of the protocols that have been implemented to prevent any abuse of the facility.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure that no single officer or member abuses the rations facility,” he said.

The ZRP also expressed gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe for ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of law enforcement officers, adding that it would not tolerate misuse of any resources meant to support its members.

Furthermore, the police appealed to media houses to exercise responsibility when reporting on sensitive matters involving national security institutions.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police appeals to the media to be objective and avoid reckless reporting on security issues to avoid causing alarm and despondency in the country’s uniformed services,” Nyathi said.

He emphasised that police leadership is working closely with the Government to address welfare concerns across all ranks, and that undermining this effort through sensational claims risks destabilising morale within the force.

The ZRP said investigations would proceed should any verifiable reports be received and reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing resources.