Zimbabwe police launch special tactics troop

In a major move to tackle serious and violent crime, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a dedicated Special Tactics Troop, a rapid-response unit modelled on elite international forces such as South Africa's Special Task Force, Kenya's Recce Company, and the UK's Specialist Firearms Command.

The troop, which graduated after intensive specialised training, will be deployed to respond to high-risk incidents including armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, and smuggling. Its creation comes amid growing public concern over violent crimes in the country, including the shooting of prominent businessman Joseph Mutangadura, the murder of police officers during shootouts, and the killing of an entire family in Guruve.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development, noting that Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba officiated the troop's pass-out parade on December 18, 2025.

"The team will assist in responding to scenes of serious crime such as armed robbery, murder, smuggling, and kidnapping," Comm Nyathi said.

The formation of such specialised units follows global policing trends where elite units handle high-risk situations. South Africa's STF, for example, manages hostage crises and armed robberies, while Kenya's Recce Squad undertakes counter-terror operations and high-risk arrests. By adopting a similar model, the ZRP aims to enhance its speed, precision, and effectiveness against sophisticated criminal syndicates.

Between January and August this year, the police arrested 531 suspects in armed robbery cases, with 206 already convicted. Some arrests extended beyond Zimbabwe's borders. The Special Tactics Troop is expected to bolster these efforts, particularly against organised crime linked to recent murders and kidnappings.

In tandem with the troop's launch, Commissioner-General Mutamba also deployed three additional Ford Everest vehicles to the National Highway Patrol Unit, increasing the fleet to nine. The expansion is strategic, anticipating the higher traffic, accidents, and opportunistic crimes that occur during the festive season.

A notable innovation is the integration of Quick Response (QR) codes on patrol vehicles. Motorists can scan these codes to instantly connect with the police hotline, enabling real-time reporting of emergencies, reckless driving, or criminal activity.

"We encourage motorists to make use of this facility to report all forms of unruly or dangerous behaviour," Comm Nyathi said.

The Special Tactics Troop represents a proactive response to rising public anxiety over violent crime and perceived delays in traditional policing methods. By adopting tactics and structures used by international elite units, the ZRP hopes to restore confidence, deter criminal activity, and improve response times in urban hotspots like Harare.

As Zimbabwe heads into the festive season, these enhanced capabilities — both in specialised tactical intervention and increased highway presence — reflect a dual strategy of engagement and deterrence, aimed at safeguarding citizens while confronting criminal elements head-on.