Police Display Team thrills the First Family at ZITF

By Dickson Bandera recently in Bulawayo 

The magnificent performance staged by the Police Display Team at the official opening of the 56th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo last month prompted the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, diplomats and government officials to rise on several occasions in cheer and awe as the police gymnasts put up a spectacular that left the entire stadium in hysterics. 

It was like a movie episode unfolding in a cinema somewhere as the young energetic gymnasts clad in slim-fit outfits unpacked their 30-minute flawless act that encompassed comedy, martial arts, flexibility, balancing stances, national and strategic issues, all in one act. 

From the time police gymnasts set up their stage, one could see they were bubbling with confidence, especially having failed to perform at the Independence Day celebrations due to the rains that pounced on that day. 

Opening the show in a packed arena, the audience erupted in excitement as police Dog Shaleen raised the Zimbabwe and Police flags before unfolding the banner which was inscribed, “ZRP creating a conducive environment for economic growth and empowerment,” the Zimbabwe Republic Police Theme for 2015. This was followed by astounding balance and riding skills which ran concurrently with the Gym One display where twenty seven gymnasts showcased spinning expertise. 

In their formation, the gymnasts formed the figures 35 which signified 35 years of Zimbabwean Independence. On the other hand, Sergeant Adrian Tembo rode through a highly levelled rump that was flanked by gymnasts who posed in varying styles of flexibility and balance. As the rider crossed over in movie style, the gymnasts fell away in a collapsing fashion. Fans got wild as they saw the air borne motorbike flying high in the air, over gymnasts before safely landing in the runway. This was followed by the Bikes Bridge Big Pyramid where a total of five gymnasts were carried on each bike and formed an awesome formation. Interestingly, out of the six riders, three were females - Assistant Inspector Annah Bere, Constables Thokozile Sibindi and Ruramai Mupezeni. 

Well performed was also a skit in which the gymnasts demonstrated the vigilance of Zimbabwe under the illegal sanctions and how Zimbabwe was resisting neocolonialism. They pictured Zimbabweans enjoying the gains of independence before the return of the former colonial masters seeking to recolonise Zimbabwe this time through economic means. But Zimbabweans unite and resist. In a state of confusion, the enemies end up fighting against each other, this was demonstrated by Constable Romeo Ngowani who is set ablaze by his ally after missing the target enemy. There is a contest on the throne of power but in the end, president Mugabe wins and assumes the throne. Sergeant Mashaya featured as the President.

As soon as the skit was over, four gymnasts, three females and one male took over the stage. They demonstrated highest level of flexibility in yoga, a sport which originated in India about 4000 years ago, to which many fans screamed and chanted. In a soothing song, “Demo Rabva Mupini Mugomo,” played by the Police military band which augmented with the Dance Band, the gymnasts demonstrated shocking levels of fitness, balance and flexibility. 

Another well performed act was the K9 demonstrations. In dogs’ obedience, the K9 team showcased the how good police dogs are when it comes to instructions. By this the police sent a message that the ZRP is a disciplined force which is obedient to superior orders. 

Not to be outdone were floor gymnasts who displayed an array of skills. They constructed pyramids and towers that included the front star pyramid, double star pyramid and the First Family Pyramid. The First Family Pyramid took almost all the gymnast to form it and it signified that the First Family is a big family which oversees the welfare of all citizens. Constable Melisa Makulana was used as a rope in the street game popularly known as “Fish Fish” usually played by kids. The fire hop also provided good entertainment. 

Another top drawer performance was from the fans favourite, “Undertaker.” Remember that recruit Constable who got his promotion to the rank of Sergeant during his training due to his police display exploits? Sergeant Amigos Damiyano was dressed in all-black and carried a coffin, just like WWF fiery wrestler, Undertaker. His high flying summersaults were a marvel to watch. It was blow after blow and the gymnasts could not stop it. 

Assistant Inspector Felix Machingambi also known as Jobho or simply Flex did a great job of entertaining the audience. Clad in a police FD suit with no buttons, Jobho mounted on a motorbike and as he rides, he dances to the tunes of the police band, managing a balance and control the bike and dance with his hands off the handles. 

Sergeant Mashaya who featured as the female cop in police uniform also had a good day in office. Ninjaress engaged in a fight with a Rastafarian whom he gave a lash of his life through amazing karate skills that were punctuated with some funny stances. Ninjaress’ high note came when she joined the gymnasts to jump over the high bar proving exactly why the displays were adjudged by many as the best. The First Lady rose again, clapping in excitement as she watched the actioned packed performances. 

The team concluded their act with the fiery bikes/gymnasts crossover. In a proper pinch yourself moment, the cross overs left the whole arena shell-shocked as the act required good timing and gymnast were to cross over before the biker arrives and any slight mistake would result in a fatality. As true professionals, all went according to plan. 

Speaking to The Outpost just after the show, Mr Billy Loeto from Botswana Education Hub said the displays were a masterpiece. 

“The martial arts were superb, it shows the training is good, fitness excellent and the bicycles were marvellous. The whole acts were well organised, consistent and impressive, he said. 

Ex-cop and son to the music legend Lovemore Majaivana, Derick Majaivhana said the displays were in a class of their own. He said the team had improved greatly and were moving with time. 

“The displays are greatly improving with time and the police is in the class of its own. What we saw last year has moved a step further and this is excellent,” he said. 

From a total of 40 comments collected randomly by the Display Team, all respondents indicated that the displays were excellent. 

According to the Police gymnasts, it was motivating to perform before the Head of State and Government and Commander in chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe together with his Zambian counterpart President Edgar Lungu. 

“Indeed morale was high. The Police had scooped gold, while Kuyedza banged in two gold medals, but highly motivating was that the President was there and also the Zambian President, this was great motivation,” said Assistant Inspector Trymore Tshuma, one of the instructors and coordinator of the team. 

“We had good preparations but we got highly motivated  because this was our first performance before the President this year.  You know we  missed our chance to perform in Harare so we had all the energy, he further said.