HARARE - Police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri has heaped praise on female police officers for “holding their own” when seeking recognition and demanding promotions to top positions.

Speaking at a conferment parade of 85 senior police officers who were recently-promoted by President Robert Mugabe, Chihuri said female cops police officers are now represented at every level of decision-making in the force.

“I am pleased to note that female officers in the Zimbabwe Republic Police are holding their own and standing out through sheer grit, focused determination ability and capability,” he said.

Of the 85 officers promoted to ranks that include rank superintendent, chief superintendents, assistant commissioners and senior assistant commissioners, 21 were female officers with three of them landing the post of senior assistant commissioner.

Chihuri warned the newly-promoted officers not to be complacent as they will have to “trade-off” the trust and honour bestowed on them by the force with “unquestionable patriotism”.

“This trust and confidence needs to be reciprocated without much ado. There is therefore no room for complacency but a sober appraisal of the test at hand is required,” Chihuri.

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

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 appointed early this year 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.

Chihuri told the newly-promoted officers to deal decisively with perpetrators of violence in the upcoming elections.

“The forthcoming national plebiscite requires that you exercise your duties with assertiveness, conviction and boldness without fear or favour,” Chihuri said.

“Violence of whatever nature is unacceptable and will be dealt with decisively,” he said. - Xolisani Ncube