Chihuri's step backwards

Hello All..

Well, at this time I still have a connection to the internet - but it clearly struggles as I can open none of the news sites based in Zimbabwe. TheBeardedMan has come to my rescue, however, and provided me with the text of the article I wanted to comment on yesterday.. It is quite incredible and deserves picking apart on a line by line basis!

ZIMBABWEANS should set aside political differences and embrace the historic power-sharing deal for the betterment of the country, Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has said.
Comm-Gen Chihuri said Zimbabweans should now move on and work together.

This sounds more and more like a step backwards for our revered Field Marshal General Commissioner! What happened to "I will never recognise Tsvangirai"????? Too little, too late methinks!


“We need to work together and fore go our minor differences as Zimbabwe has now moved on with its politics as parties engaged in landmark talks to restore whatever seeming differences amongst them and a common understanding was reached,” Cde Chihuri said.
He said the formation of an all-inclusive Government was imminent and all sober-minded Zimbabweans welcomed this development.

And is Chihuri sober minded? I doubt that.. Come now Augustine - what happened to the nasty rhetoric you have been gushing in recent months?

He noted that the current economic challenges facing the country were not of the making of the leadership but of foreigners who wanted to enjoy and benefit from the country’s resources.

Would that be the Chinese foreigners? How can you, as the head of the so-called police force blindly follow this old and worn out party line? I am sure the economic challenges have absolutely nothing to do with the destruction of the agricultural sector and the departure of people capable of making the economy work! Of course - preventing Mugabe and his entourage - including you from going on their monthly US$2 million shopping trips must be the cause of all your woes!
If this man cannot grasp the fundamentals of what poor governance has done, how can he possibly understand that the failure and partisan behaviour of the police is down to his own leadership - no doubt, that too, is someone else's fault! Get a grip Chihuri - resign now and run away - real policemen will return soon and you will be arrested!

He said this in his address to officers who have just returned from a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia and another contingent leaving for Sudan on a similar assignment.

I still have some difficulty understanding how policemen and women who cannot uphold the law in their own country can possibly be seconded for duties in other world "trouble spots"? Is it just me that has a problem with this? Has someone in the UN not noticed this parody?

Cde Chihuri said the peace prevailing in the country should continue to be jealously guarded.
The incoming contingent of 13 officers had briefed Cde Chihuri on the unstable situation they encountered during their tour of duty in Liberia.
“You have outlined in your reports that disturbances were rampant. This is what happens when people do not abide by laws. I urge you to contribute to further maintain this peace as you have done during your tour of duty,” he said.

Erm Chihuri, let me break this to you gently.. the only reason that the people of Zimbabwe haven't risen up and buried you and your followers in ant hills is because they are a fundamentally decent people who abide by the law of their own choice. The people disturbing the peace and breaking the law are you and your mis-guided officers. Be thankful that the people of Zimbabwe are prepared to wait it out until the law is restored and you can be dealt with in the proper manner!

The police chief also took a swipe at corrupt officers, saying the long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.

So this was a swipe at yourself then?

Comm-Gen Chihuri also said he was impressed by the increase in the number of female officers participating in peacekeeping missions, which were usually regarded as a male preserve.
“By taking up these extremely challenging assignments, they are confirming their undoubted ability, capability and professionalism which cuts across gender,” he said.
Cde Chihuri also applauded the contingent for standing up to the daunting challenges that confronted them in Liberia as they worked towards restoring peace and tranquillity in the West African country.

I am quite sure there is much professionalism still within the police, across all genders, which Chihuri works hard to cover up and control, lest the actual law be applied - in which case, Chihuri would be immediately suspended, investigated, charged, convicted and carted off to somewhere dark!

“Your preparedness has shown the way and laid the pattern of good work. The Zimbabwe Republic Police’s peacekeeping record has been common cause as evidenced by the wide commendations lavished upon the organisation by both regional and international entities.
He said despite the challenges, corruption cannot be used as an excuse.
“I want to take this opportunity to highlight that there is no room for criminality in the ZRP and those who are involved in criminal activities will not be spared,” he said.

Would criminal activities include things like contravening the Police Act? Contravening the Electoral Act? Acting in an unconstitutional manner? Dereliction of duty? If they do, I am impressed that Chihuri would threaten himself in this manner! But he is right on one point - there is no room for criminals in the ZRP - and that includes you Chihuri - you are only the Commissioner, which is just a rank that can be help by a police officer - it does not make you immune to the law!

To departing officers, Cde Chihuri said they should always strive to do better than their predecessors.
“You should, therefore, individually or collectively work as one with the aim of exuding the highest level of professionalism that is an unfailing characteristic of police both locally and internationally,” Cde Chihuri said.

Perhaps Chihuri could start "exuding professionalism" himself by resigning immediately and let real police officers who are not party biased take control?

Later.