Harare — Police officers have been warned against using service firearms to settle personal scores.

Addressing 149 Support and Protection Unit graduands at Shamva Battle Camp yesterday, chief-of-staff to the Police Commissioner-General and chairperson of National Support Group, Comm Oliver Chibage, said officers must not abuse firearms.

"Stern disciplinary measures shall be taken against any form of unprofessional conduct. Accordingly, the organisation will not brook any members who chose to settle domestic disputes using service weapons and neither will it protect the excitability of wantonly discharging firearms. "Discipline, loyalty and patriotism will forever remain the fundamental constituencies of our organisational culture and corporate identity.

"In this vein, let me warn you to conduct yourselves irreproachably if your dreams of personal growth and bright careers should come to fruition," he said. Comm Chibage warned officers manning VIP residences not to engage in political activities or solicit favours from politicians.

"In safeguarding the professional conduct of the ZRP, the organisation does not expect to receive reports of officers begging for alms, over-familiarising at VIP residences as well as wantonly absenting themselves from points of duty." Among the graduands were 48 instructors.

The graduands executed drills, battle craft - which included firing at moving targets - and displayed combat skills. Their curriculum included weapons handling, public order management, field craft, foot and arms drills, physical training, radio procedure and first aid.

Constable Evans Mbofana emerged the overall best student. More than 15 women graduated, with Const Naome Bako adjudged one of the best students. Senior officers from Mashonaland Central attended the colourful event.