Zimbabwe has splashed $4-million (about R24-million) on buying 320 luxury vehicles for middle-ranking police officers, Zim Online reported on Monday.
It quoted ”authoritative” sources as saying the government was planning to spend another 10-million (about R60-million) on cars for military and secret-service officers.
President Robert Mugabe authorised the latest vehicle purchase, the sources said.
This came barely two months after the government spent a substantial amount on cars for the army and police — on advice from the Joint Operations Command (JOC).
The JOC is made up of security chiefs from the army, air force, Central Intelligence Organisation, police and prison service.
This body complained earlier in the year to Mugabe over what it described as ”pathetic working conditions” for middle officers across the security apparatus.
It recommended urgent action to quell disgruntlement among middle officers by improving their pay and service conditions.
Spokespersons for the police and army were not immediately available to comment on the matter.
State Security Minister Didymus Mutasa said the government was working to improve the welfare of security forces, though he refused to specifically discuss the vehicle purchases.
He added: ”We are aware that the opposition and like-minded people are always quick to discourage an improvement on the welfare of security people.” — Sapa