The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has acquired body-worn cameras and other modern equipment as part of efforts to strengthen crime prevention and improve traffic management across the country.
The police force has also procured drones and traffic enforcement cameras, which have already been deployed on major roads nationwide.
Speaking during the relaunch of the ZRP Client Service Charter last week, Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba said no police officer would be deployed without a visible name tag and a body-worn camera.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development on Sunday, saying modalities were being finalised to ensure the system becomes fully operational.
“We have procured the cameras, and they will be used with immediate effect. As we speak, the force numbers and name tags are being worked on to make sure that every police officer will have a name tag,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“I can also confirm that we have acquired speed cameras, which are already on our highways. Harare Central and Bulawayo Central have also started using drones.”
Commissioner-General Mutamba said the move was aimed at enhancing professionalism, transparency and accountability within the police service.
“Very soon, you will notice that no police officer will go out on deployment in a police uniform without wearing his or her name tag,” he said.
“Any untoward behaviour by a police officer must be promptly reported to the authorities. The organisation expects increased public involvement in tackling police corruption.”
He said the introduction of body-worn cameras was a decisive step towards promoting integrity, noting that the devices serve as both a deterrent to misconduct and protection for officers acting professionally.
Commissioner-General Mutamba added that modern policing requires the effective use of technology, with drones enhancing operational capacity by providing an aerial view of ongoing activities.
Over the years, the ZRP has continued to adopt new technologies to respond to an evolving crime environment.
