Mnangagwa blasts indiscipline on the roads

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) must take decisive action to restore order on the country's roads by implementing the electronic traffic management system to reduce road carnage, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe Republic Police recruit graduation ceremony at Mkushi Academy yesterday, President Mnangagwa highlighted the alarming increase in road fatalities over the past year, calling for urgent intervention.

"The high rate of indiscipline on our roads, which has resulted in the loss of countless lives due to road carnage, is disturbing. More worrisome is the fact that a total of 4,069 people were killed in road traffic accidents in 2024, compared to 2,104 in 2023, reflecting an astonishing 93 percent increase. The ZRP is challenged to tame the traffic jungle by speedily implementing the Electronic Traffic Management System.

"I call upon all Zimbabwean citizens to respect the country's traffic laws and cooperate with law enforcement agencies," said President Mnangagwa.

Urban roads have seen an increase in reckless driving, particularly from pirate taxis, known as mushikashika, commuter omnibus drivers, and some private motorists who frequently violate traffic laws.

President Mnangagwa reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing the capacity of the ZRP, pointing to the recent handover of 500 police vehicles as evidence of ongoing efforts to ensure law enforcement officers are well-equipped.

"On its part, the Government is fully aware that adequate human capital and material resources are a prerequisite for the ZRP to fulfil their constitutional mandate. Mindful of this, my administration will ensure that the force is well-equipped with tools of the trade. The recent purchase and handover of 500 vehicles for police operations is a clear testimony of my Government's commitment. It is my sincere hope that the vehicles distributed across the country have enhanced the operational capacity of the ZRP," he said.

President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of integrating modern information and communication technology (ICT) into policing.

"The Government is committed to prioritising the deployment of ICT-enabled systems to address challenges and opportunities presented by the ever-changing environment. The various high-impact innovations that are being undertaken by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, such as the Automated Fingerprint System, will aid investigations and subsequent convictions of both first-time and repeat offenders. More innovations of this type should be encouraged to enhance efficiency in the justice delivery system."

The President also called for discipline within the ZRP and urged officers to shun corruption.

"As officers in the field, you will encounter all forms and types of temptations that will test your character, judgment, resolve, and indeed your patriotism. Remain resolute and demonstrate high levels of integrity. Shun corruption by whatever name. The image of the country and indeed of the Zimbabwe Republic Police rests upon your shoulders. Guard it jealously."

He expressed concern over the prevalence of armed robbery cases and urged the ZRP to ensure that criminals are brought to justice. He also called on communities to play a role in crime prevention.

President Mnangagwa also emphasized the significance of renaming Mkushi Police Academy from Morris Depot in July 2023, stating that the move was meant to honour those who fought in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle.

"The name Mkushi Police Academy particularly honours the contributions of our gallant daughters who perished in 1978 at the ZIPRA Mkushi Girls' Camp in Zambia. I hope that the graduating class and indeed the police service as a whole will continue to be inspired and emboldened by the same spirit of courage and selflessness that characterized that generation of the youth at the Mkushi Camp."

He challenged the newly appointed Police Commissioner General, Stephen Mutamba, to lead the transformation of the ZRP in alignment with the country's socio-economic developments and emerging security challenges at national, regional, and international levels.

The President also praised the composition of the 907 recruits, who were drawn from all 10 provinces, in line with the Government's devolution and decentralization agenda.

"Unlike yesteryear, where physical height and stamina were critical attributes for joining the force, today policing is no longer a walk in the park. The challenges in this profession now require higher levels of knowledge and broader skills. Hence, the importance of deliberately designed training curricula that mold competent and professional police officers."

Courses undertaken by the recruits included Criminal Law, Police Duties and Investigation, Crime Investigations, Human Rights and Policing, Public Order Management, History of Policing, and Civic Education, among others.

President Mnangagwa also acknowledged the ZRP's contribution to regional and international peace through its participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, commending their professionalism and adherence to best practices in policing.

Dignitaries at the event included Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials, service chiefs, business leaders, as well as families of the graduates. The ceremony featured displays by the police recruits, showcasing their training and readiness for duty.