HARARE Junior police officers in Harare have been ordered to contribute US$2 towards the hosting of Heroes Day celebrations next month, The Zimbabwean on Sunday has learnt.Officers, who spoke on condition that they were not named for fear of victimisation, said they have been warned that those who fail to contribute money towards the August 9 celebrations, will face unspecified but harsh disciplinary measures.
Each member of the police force was ordered to pay $2 towards hosting of the national event. What disturbs us is lack of accountability and transparency regarding administration of collected funds. Other security forces were not asked to make similar contributions, said one officer based at the Tomlinson depot in Harare.
Another junior officer recounted how those who failed to contribute money to Heroes Day commemorations last year were transferred from the capital to remote rural polices posts as punishment.
Officers who refused to part with the $2 were transferred fro urban stations to remote areas as punishment. Besides bankrolling National Heroes Day commemorations, officers also pay forced annual provincial funds to the tune of $5, said the policeman.
Police spokesman Wayne Bvudzijena could not be reached yesterday for comment on the matter. But the law enforcement agency has previously denied charges that it regularly forces officers to contribute cash towards hosting of national events such as Heroes Day and the Independence Day celebrations held every 18th of April.
Heroes Day commemorations like all national events are supposed to be funded by Treasury with citizens wishing to contribute in cash or kind free to do so.
Post published in: News