Mass desertions from army, police

recruitment drive due to the massive exodus of staff, mainly caused by the poor remuneration in the face of worsening economic problems.
“This is a precarious situation for the country and recruitment must be done to fill the vacant places as a matter of urgency,” said the source.
Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi, who is in charge of the police force has admitted that the ZRP is losing members at an “alarming” rate and says it
leaves it ill-equipped to handle serious security situations.
The police force is required to play a major role towards and during the conduct of next year’s elections where there are high chances of political violence.
The Zimbabwean spoke to a police officer who had just left the force. “The conditions are pathetic, the remuneration as well as working conditions make a mockery of the status of police officer. I have found it better to leave and try other means of survival,” he said.
Efforts to obtain comment from Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi failed but a senior source from the ZNA headquarters in Harare said the army was recruiting – mainly products of the infamous national youth training service.
The bulk of police and army members are leaving the country to work in neighbouring countries. – Itai Dzamara