Zvishavane, Midlands – Mimosa Mining Company has once again been praised for its unwavering support to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the local community during the 2025 Zvishavane District Cop of the Year Awards, where Detective Gapare was named the district’s top officer for outstanding service.
The annual awards, now in operation for nearly two decades, recognise exemplary police performance and dedication, and this year’s ceremony also highlighted the critical role of partnerships between the private sector and law enforcement. Mimosa, as the sole sponsor, received special commendation from law enforcement officials for its long-standing contribution to policing and community development in the district.
Speaking at the event, Midlands Provincial Police Officer Commanding Operations, Assistant Commissioner Martin Matambo, described Mimosa as an “all-weather stakeholder” and referred to the company as the “elephant in the house” for its extensive support to the police.
“It is undeniable that Mimosa’s benevolence has extended to repairing and maintaining police vehicles, servicing the district fleet, providing fuel, and supplying motorbikes and bicycles to enhance visibility and maintain traffic sanity on our roads,” said Matambo.
“The company has also invested in maintaining police buildings in Zvishavane, giving the establishment a facelift and improving operational efficiency. We are very happy to be associated with Mimosa.”
The awards ceremony also provided an overview of the district’s policing statistics. By October 31, 2025, Zvishavane had recorded 9,652 cases, compared to 8,057 during the same period in 2024, surpassing the national target of limiting crime growth to 14 percent. Assistant Commissioner Matambo attributed the rise in crime primarily to rural-urban migration driven by employment opportunities, particularly in areas rich in minerals like gold. Many illegal gold panners, often nomadic, resort to criminal activities when mining efforts fail.
Despite these challenges, the district has made progress in reducing serious crimes, including murder, armed robbery, adult rape, theft, unlawful entry, and stock theft, though juvenile rape remains a concern.
For Mimosa, the awards provided an opportunity to reinforce the company’s philosophy of supporting communities where it operates. Managing Director Fungai Makoni said the Cop of the Year initiative aligns closely with Mimosa’s mission to reward excellence, build capability, and foster a culture of dedication—values that guide both the company’s internal operations and its community engagements.
“The Cop of the Year award serves as a powerful motivation for police officers, encouraging innovation and dedication in the execution of their duties,” Makoni said.
“Aligned with our Let’s Go Zero initiative, we collaborate with the ZRP and the Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Council on public holiday road safety campaigns to promote zero harm and safeguard lives. We also advocate for zero tolerance towards drug and substance abuse, recognising the police’s vital role in protecting our youth and communities.”
Makoni highlighted that this year’s awards coincided with Mimosa’s 100-year centenary celebrations, marking a century of platinum mining in Zimbabwe. He said the milestone underscored the importance of acknowledging those who have contributed to building the company’s legacy, including law enforcement officers who maintain peace and order in mining districts.
“Our image, reputation, and success depend on the community, and on each of you,” Makoni said. “Our accomplishments over the years would not have been possible without your sustainable support and collaboration. Our journey underscores resilience and our capacity to adapt in the face of challenges.”
The event culminated in the crowning of Detective Gapare as Zvishavane District’s Cop of the Year 2025, recognised for professionalism, commitment, and outstanding service to the community.
The ceremony reinforced the strong partnership between Mimosa and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, demonstrating how private sector support can enhance policing, community safety, and social development, particularly in mining districts where economic activity attracts population influx and crime.
