LM AUCTIONEERS has been hailed for playing a significant role in strengthening crime-fighting efforts through sport after sponsoring the 2026 LM Auctioneers CID Football Tournament, which concluded at Mukushi Academy on Sunday with CID CAP defeating CID HQ Rangers 1-0 in the final.
The tournament, which featured nine teams drawn from various Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stations and units across Harare, provided detectives with a platform to compete, build teamwork and maintain physical fitness essential for modern policing.
CID CAP emerged champions following a disciplined performance against CID HQ Rangers in a tightly contested final. In the third-place playoff, Chaplins edged CID Homicide 5-4 in an entertaining encounter.
However, beyond the football action, the tournament became a powerful statement of how private sector support can contribute to enhancing police morale, wellness and operational effectiveness.
Guest of honour Chief Superintendent Austin Chikwababa, who officiated at the event, praised LM Auctioneers and its founder Lewis Muzhara for maintaining support for detectives despite economic challenges.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our sponsor, LM Auctioneers, who despite the harsh economic climate has chosen to associate with the detectives from various CID stations in a spirit of sports and recreation,” said Chikwababa.
He said the sponsorship is a contribution towards developing a healthier, more resilient and more effective police force.
“Dutiful and energetic police officers are developed through sports. Criminals are always there to put to test the fitness of police officers and some of them turn violent whilst having to be chased,” he said.
Chikwababa noted that policing remained one of the most demanding professions, making physical and mental wellness critical for officers tasked with combating crime.
“Sports participation enhances mental and physical wellness by reducing stress, improving mood and fostering resilience. For police officers, prioritising mental health through sports is a push-up for effective policing, improving decision-making, relationships and overall job performance amid a high-stress environment,” he said.
In remarks likely to resonate beyond the football field, the senior officer challenged Zimbabwe’s corporate sector to emulate LM Auctioneers by partnering with law enforcement agencies in initiatives that benefit communities.
“The gesture by the business community in the fight against crime is highly appreciated. I call upon the business community to emulate LM Auctioneers and join hands with the police by sponsoring various police programmes aimed at improving the police physically, mentally and spiritually,” he said.
Chikwababa said security was a shared responsibility that required investment and support from all sectors of society.
“Provision of security is not a cheap commodity. You really have to invest in it one way or the other and the benefits will be there for all of us to see,” he said.
He added that strong partnerships between the police and private sector could help the country achieve a safer future.
“If we remain this united, Zimbabwe can become the country we all envisage, a crime-free Zimbabwe,” he said.
The tournament, held alongside the CID Harare Soccer League programme, forms part of broader efforts to promote wellness among detectives.
The CID Harare Soccer League comprises nine teams drawn from various CID stations around the capital and competes every Wednesday during the Zimbabwe Republic Police Sports Day.
Addressing the participants, Chikwababa urged officers to mirror the discipline, determination and teamwork displayed on the football pitch in their daily law enforcement duties.
“As much as it is not easy for LM Auctioneers to come up with this sponsorship package, this is a challenge to say go out there and do your work diligently as we continue with our quest to rid society of unruly elements breaking the laws of our beloved country,” he said.
He further urged officers to uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability in their work while resisting corruption.
