MEMBERS of the ZRP Women Network Group for Harare Province yesterday donated blood to assist accident victims during the festive season. The group members said they realised that demand for blood was higher during the festive season. The chairperson for the group, Officer Commanding Mbare District Superintendent Monica Mahachi said more than 1 000 female officers were expected to donate blood by end of yesterday.

"We are donating blood in line with our social responsibility to the community. We want to assist those who may be involved in accidents or women who need blood after giving birth," she said.

Supt Mahachi said most of the members had witnessed accidents and seen the importance of blood in saving lives of victims.

"We would want to continue donating blood after today. I also encourage other members of the community to donate blood," she said.

National Blood Services of Zimbabwe spokesperson Sister Petronella Changachirere said this was the first time for female police officers to donate blood as a group.

"The response has been overwhelming and some male officers who are members of the network have also donated blood," she said.

One of the blood donors, Constable Forget Madondo, said he joined in donating blood although he was not a member of the network.

"I have always been a blood donor and although this programme has been initiated by women, I felt, as a man, I should also do my part to save lives," he said.

The ZRP women network was formed in 2009 to empower women in the police force.