Incoming Matabeleland North police commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Norman Sibanda last week warned the outgoing provincial police commander, Edmore Veterai, that he would regret his transfer when he is made to “run like a constable” at police headquarters.
Veterai was last month transferred to take up the position of chief of staff (administration), a position previously held by his successor Sibanda. Speaking at a farewell dinner for Veterai in Hwange, Sibanda warned Veterai bosses in Harare would make him “sweat for his money”.
“I want to say to my brother Veterai that he now has the privilege to rub shoulders with the top brass in the force,” said Sibanda.
“You now have the privilege to breathe the same air they breathe, but be aware that you will run up and down the steps like a constable. It’s a word of caution. You might see that happening. You will wish you had remained . . . in the province.”
But Veterai said: “If you have no toilet paper tell assistant commissioner Mokwele (his former deputy in charge of administration) to tell me. That is now my job as the chief clerk. I have to see that resources are distributed.”
He, however, thanked the police in the province for their sterling job during and after the 2008 harmonised elections.
“The province did not record any single death emanating from political violence. I want to thank you for the teamwork and you should preserve the status quo and make other provinces envy Matabeland North Province.” he said.
