A growing storm is brewing within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), as disgruntled junior officers have come forward with explosive allegations against their senior commanders. According to these officers, senior officials are allegedly misappropriating food rations intended for the welfare of lower-ranking personnel, leaving many junior officers hungry and demoralised.
Junior police officers stationed in Harare Metropolitan province have accused their senior counterparts of diverting food rations meant for their welfare, undermining a government initiative aimed at improving police morale and curbing corruption.
Earlier this year, the government revived police canteens across the country, providing officers with nutritious meals that included breakfast and lunch options. The move was welcomed as a step toward reducing the pressure on junior officers to engage in corrupt practices by ensuring their basic needs were met. However, junior officers say the intended benefits have not trickled down to them due to widespread abuse by top-ranking officials.
Speaking to NewsDay under strict anonymity, the junior officers alleged that food supplies—such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, potatoes, and eggs—are often diverted or sold by their superiors. They claim that senior officers exploit inconsistencies in delivery schedules and quantities to misappropriate what they label as “surplus” rations.
“The food doesn’t come regularly or in full, and that’s what they take advantage of,” said one officer. “They take it home or sell it, while we are left with nothing.”
Officers also complained about being coerced into assisting with the alleged looting. “Sometimes, you’re ordered to carry supplies to a senior’s car. You can’t refuse. Maybe they’ll toss you a loaf of bread in return,” said another.
The allegations have led to growing frustration and resentment among the ranks, with calls for Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba to step in and restore integrity in the system. Junior officers say the abuse has created a culture of impunity that threatens to undo the very reforms meant to uplift the force.
Junior Officers Accuse ZRP Bosses of Diverting Food Rations for Personal Gain
“It’s becoming uncontrollable,” said a junior officer, expressing deep frustration. “What was meant to restore our dignity has instead become a system that benefits only those at the top. We’re treated as if we don’t matter.”
Some junior officers worryingly claim they are forced to participate in food supply misappropriation. “A senior officer orders you to load boxes of food into their car. You can’t refuse—it’s a direct command,” one officer revealed. “If you comply, you might get a loaf of bread as a reward. But this isn’t how the system was supposed to work.” This coercion highlights serious issues within the police force’s ration system, where abuse of authority and lack of oversight allow such practices to persist unchecked.
These revelations shed light on broader issues surrounding the management of resources within the police force. Junior officers say the ration distribution system suffers from a lack of transparency and proper oversight, creating an environment where theft and abuse of supplies can go unchecked. This not only undermines morale but also threatens to erode trust within the force, calling for urgent intervention to restore fairness and accountability.
The government’s revival of police canteens was initially praised as a positive move to boost officer welfare. Offering lavish meals like fried eggs for breakfast and meat dishes for lunch aimed to improve morale and reduce petty corruption by meeting basic needs. However, recent allegations of senior officers diverting and selling food rations meant for junior staff have cast a shadow over the programme. These claims threaten to undermine the initiative’s goals, raising concerns about mismanagement and corruption within the force that could negate the intended benefits of the canteen revival.
Source- Newsday
