KEY POINTS
- Mnangagwa urged ZRP to address reckless driving and road accidents.
- He called on professionals who embraced integrity and warned the force against accepting corruption.
- The government made a commitment to provide additional resources for police operations which included vehicles and ICT systems.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to take urgent action against escalating traffic violations and restore order on the country’s roads.
Addressing newly graduated officers at the ZRP Mkushi Academy in Harare on Thursday, Mnangagwa emphasized the need for stricter law enforcement and technology-driven traffic management.
The president pointed out the alarming rise in traffic fatalities, as 4,069 people died in 2024 while 2,104 fatalities occurred in 2023.
Urban traffic disasters and hazardous highway conditions that result from reckless driving have been aggravated by the expanding pirate taxi sector.
“The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing,” Mnangagwa stated. “The ZRP is challenged to tame the traffic jungle by implementing an Electronic Traffic Management System without delay.”
He also encouraged the public to cooperate with enforcement agencies and respect all traffic rules for addressing reckless driving and preventing road deaths.
Tackling corruption and crime in law enforcement
Beyond traffic control, Mnangagwa stressed the importance of discipline and integrity within the police force. He urged officers to uphold ethical standards, warning against corruption and misconduct that could damage the reputation of law enforcement.
“Discipline is a key cog in a security organization such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
As officers in the field, you will face many temptations that will test your character and resolve. Remain resolute and demonstrate high levels of integrity. Shun corruption in all its forms,” he said.
Mnangagwa warned about the increasing substance abuse problems, which he linked to elevated violent crime rates that endangered national defenses.
According to ZBC News, he directed the ZRP to intensify efforts against drug cartels, urging them to work closely with stakeholders to eliminate both supply and demand.
Investing in police resources and technology
The Zimbabwean government, Mnangagwa assured, is committed to equipping the police force with modern resources. He cited the recent acquisition of 500 police vehicles as evidence of increased police capabilities throughout the country.
“Government is fully aware that adequate human capital and material resources are a prerequisite for the ZRP to fulfill its constitutional mandate. My administration will continue prioritizing investments in police operations,” he said.
Additionally, modern technology received attention from Mnangagwa when he declared his commitment to adopt ICT-enabled systems for enhancing security operations.
“The ever-changing environment demands modern ICT hardware and software for an effective force. My government is committed to prioritizing these advancements,” he added.
Mnangagwa joined Vice President Kembo Mohadi and several cabinet ministers in planting a quine tree known by the local names Mukashu or Umhlambamanzi, as an ending ritual of the ceremony. After visiting the site, Mnangagwa took the time to inscribe his name in the visitors’ book.
