HARARE - Zimbabwe police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri has promoted three women to senior positions, in a move insiders say is meant to strengthen the role of women in the law enforcement agency.

Abigail Moyo, Charity Charamba and Angeline Guvamombe, all described as “extremely hardworking”, have been promoted to the rank of senior assistant commissioner.

The three are part of eight officers who were promoted to the rank of senior assistant commissioner.

Moyo, currently based in the Mashonaland East capital of Marondera, has previously distinguished herself while working under the UN mission in Kosovo, apart from extensive roles in Zimbabwe.

Guvamombe once served as officer commanding Harare Province in an acting capacity where she made relentless calls for peace during interparty political meetings.

Charamba was early this year appointed to head the press and public relations office taking over from veteran Wayne Bvudzijena, who is now working in the commissioner’s office.

Before her new post, Charamba had illustriously represented Zimbabwe at UN peace-keeping missions in Liberia where she had served at a senior level.

Other officers who have been promoted to the senior assistant commissioner rank are Rabson Mpofu, Eliot Ngirandi, and Robert Masukusa.

Also promoted is officer commanding police in Matabeleland South province, Goodwill Musariri and Bernard Dumbura, the officer commanding anti-stock theft unit.

A total of 21 officers were promoted, with some rising from being chief inspectors to superintendents while others were moved from being chief superintendents to assistant commissioners. - Xolisani Ncube