Harare — Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has rebuked privately-owned newspapers and online news agencies for tarnishing the force's image by reporting falsehoods.

He said the Zimbabwe Republic Police continued to receive recognition from the United Nations for its role in peacekeeping operations.

Comm-Gen Chihuri said the force continued to play a crucial role in ensuring global peace and tranquility.

He was addressing 58 police officers that are set to leave for UN peacekeeping duties soon in Sudan and East Timor yesterday .

"Allow me to say with conviction that the ZRP's contribution in these international duties is through the professionalism of our officers that ensures taking an active role in making this world a better world.

"There are rumours circulating on the Internet and online news especially by (Chris) Mbanga and others about the force. Let them open their eyes and ears and hear what I have to say, that the five officers were selected not by Chihuri and not the ZRP but by the United Nations in New York," he said.

Mbanga is the editor of The Zimbabwean.

He said the officers successfully underwent an impartial, thorough and high level selection process by the UN Selection Assistance Tests Team administered by officers in New York.

Thirty six officers will be deployed in East Timor while 22, including 10 female officers, are heading for Sudan.

Five policewomen will be deployed in Darfur as community policing officers.

These are Superintendents Jessie Banda, Kani Moyo, Cecilia Nzonzo, Ireen Haurobi and Grace Munhuweyi.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Mirirai recently returned from a peacekeeping mission in Liberia.