Zimbabwe police seen as corrupt and politicised

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is widely viewed as corrupt, politicised, and ineffective, according to a new report by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights), which paints a grim picture of public trust in the country's law enforcement institutions.

The report, titled "The 2024–2025 State of Peace Report: Mobilising Ideas and Actions for Peace in Zimbabwe," found that public confidence in the police has eroded to just 17.9%, with many citizens perceiving the force as a tool for political repression rather than public protection.

The study, which assessed peace and governance trends across the country, concluded that law enforcement agencies have been "weaponised against suspected government critics."

"On the degree of militarisation or policing, a combined 76% report frequent encounters with law enforcement, while 24% report rare or no contact," the report noted.

ZimRights said this polarisation shows a divided national experience - with some communities facing constant police surveillance, while others endure near-total absence of policing.

"For the majority who report frequent encounters, the presence of law enforcement is often concentrated in urban centres, politically sensitive zones, or areas associated with illicit activity," the report said.

The report highlighted that increased police visibility, particularly in urban areas, was not viewed as protective, but rather as politically motivated and intimidating.

"About 55.9% of those surveyed felt that the presence of police or military personnel reduced safety or had no impact," ZimRights found.
"This reinforces perceptions of surveillance and intimidation rather than community safety."

The study further observed that the police tend to intensify their presence during political campaigns, demonstrations, or periods of unrest, reinforcing the perception that the ZRP is used to suppress dissent rather than uphold law and order.

In contrast, many rural communities said they experience little to no engagement with law enforcement.

"In rural areas, 22.7% reported rare or no contact with law enforcement," the report stated.
"Respondents describe situations where police are unable or unwilling to respond to reported crimes, citing logistical constraints such as a lack of transport."

This absence of official policing has forced communities to rely on informal systems - including neighbourhood watch groups and traditional leaders - to maintain security. However, ZimRights warned that such substitutes lack proper accountability and capacity, creating inconsistent protection.

The human rights watchdog concluded that the dual experience - of coercive over-policing in some regions and state neglect in others - has deepened a national crisis of trust in law enforcement.

"For those frequently encountering police, the institution is seen as coercive and politically motivated," the report stated.
"For those who rarely encounter them, the police are viewed as absent and ineffective. Both realities contribute to the erosion of confidence in law enforcement institutions."

ZimRights urged the government to demilitarise policing, strengthen community trust, and ensure independent oversight of the police force to restore legitimacy.