ZRP is broke( 01-03-07)

fines to beef up the coffers.
Campaigns such as Chikorokoza Chapera, which was established as a way of fighting illegal mining of precious minerals, are spread all over the country. Investigations recently showed that the ZRP is deploying massive forces to hot areas where illegal mining is rampant.
“We were deployed to Kwekwe and another huge number has been deployed to Mutare with clear instructions to raise as much money as possible through fines,” a police officer said.
Operation Tasangana has focussed on un-roadworthy vehicles as well as people driving without proper requirements. A recent visit to the ZRP ordinance depot in Harare proved that the force is in dire straits. Members are turned away empty-handed because there are no uniforms. “Only senior ranked police officers are getting new uniforms because of the difficult situation. The rest are having to do with their old attire,” an official at the ordinance said.
The force has recently laid off about 2000 members of its auxiliary force. “There is no money and we have been told to either find something else to do or work on voluntary basis,” said an auxiliary member. – Itai Dzamara