Small police details are showing up at inspection marches for independence celebrations this year wearing clothing that does not match planned protests to express their dissatisfaction with a growing uniform shortage within the force.
It has since been established that police chiefs in Harare were last week forced to abandon a search parade ahead of independence celebrations on Thursday after the detail emerged inappropriately dressed, Newsday heard yesterday.
According to reports, some police details reported wearing civilian shoes after more than three years had passed without receiving new pairs of shoes.
The police were preparing to be part of the procession celebrating the province’s independence.
The Harare parade, which included members of the police, the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Air Force and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Corrections Services, revealed the extent of the shortage in police uniforms as their colleagues were reportedly dressed in smart clothes.
Sources told NewsDay that as the inspection began, senior police officers searched only three members before they left in anger, expressing disappointment at the way the rest of the details were presented.
The sources said: “After that, we entered the square, and one of the army commanders also questioned our way of dressing and passed the police detachment.”
A senior police officer told NewsDay that they were informed that the shortage of uniforms was due to unavailability of materials used to make the clothes.
“The challenge of uniform shortage has been overlooked for a long time because the cops were covering it up,” the senior police officer said.
“They would ask for uniforms like shirts, skirts, belts, etc. in between. At inspections for formal occasions, a person who was not wearing a belt, shoes or even pants would ask someone else and they would show up in smart clothes.
But this time, they’re singing a different tune. They don’t borrow. They come in wearing what they have and it doesn’t look good.
Last year, police had to postpone a parade for the 2023 inductees due to a shortage of uniforms.
The recruits have since been deployed to their duty stations before discharge.
National Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, was contacted for comment and said the uniform issue was being addressed.
He added: “The uniform issue was dealt with in stages.”
“We have the grand parade where the national activities are held, and we have the regional parade, but the uniforms are currently being sewn.
“By tomorrow morning (today), the uniform issue will be addressed for most provinces. There were a few provinces that had great uniforms, but it was a work in progress, not to mention that members were told there would not be any new uniforms. As for For Harare, by tomorrow (today), all uniform issues will be addressed.
Police officers accuse their bosses of neglecting them as their working conditions continue to deteriorate, while bosses enjoy huge salaries and other benefits from their employer.
The police have over the years decried the lack of funding from their employer, the government. Newsday
