ZRP Bans Cellphones for On-Duty Officers
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has implemented an immediate ban on cellphone use by officers while on duty, following a directive issued on October 31, 2024.
This decision comes amid heightened concerns from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage regarding certain officers’ conduct.
Minister Kazembe Kazembe recently voiced his concerns, and Commissioner General of Police Godwin Matanga pledged decisive action against officers implicated in corruption, particularly those involved in bribery incidents at Harare’s Mabvuku turn-off.
A police memo titled “Use of cellphones whilst on duty,” issued to all stations in Masvingo Central District and signed by Superintendent Operations of ZRP Masvingo Central District, reinforced the new policy. The memo emphasized that despite previous instructions against cellphone use, enforcement has been lacking. The updated directive mandates that officers are prohibited from carrying cellphones during duty hours, limiting phone usage strictly to break and lunch periods.
The memo further requires officers-in-charge to collect and securely store cellphones at the beginning of each shift. Additionally, all stations are expected to incorporate the new cellphone policy into their standard operating procedures (SOPs), with officers required to confirm they have read and understood the rules.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi indicated that the ZRP would soon release a comprehensive statement addressing the leaked memo. Meanwhile, Commissioner-General Matanga reaffirmed his commitment to a “zero tolerance” stance on corrupt practices, particularly extortion of motorists.
This policy shift follows the recent arrest of two traffic officers, Sergeant Chifamba and Constable Gunzva, who were allegedly caught on camera accepting bribes from kombis, taxis, and other public service vehicles. In footage circulated on social media, the two officers, seen on a police motorbike, purportedly accepted bribes from multiple motorists at the Mabvuku turn-off along Harare-Mutare Road. The officers are now in detention, facing both disciplinary and criminal charges.
In a statement, Commissioner Nyathi condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as “bad apples” within the police service. He reiterated the Commissioner-General’s position against corruption, stating that the ZRP is committed to enforcing the law impartially.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Sergeant Chifamba and Constable Gunzva have been arrested…These are bad apples who do not deserve to be serving in the Police Service,” Nyathi said.
