Zimbabwe cops find fault with Police Amendment Bill

Police officers who attended a public hearing on the Police Amendment Bill in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West, have voiced strong opposition, warning that the legislation grants excessive powers to the Commissioner-General of Police.

The hearing, held at Cooksey Hall, saw officers argue that the Bill empowers the Commissioner-General to make standing orders in consultation with the Police Service Commission, effectively consolidating too much authority in a single office. "Allowing one individual to make standing orders is not good governance," one officer said. "It puts too much power in the hands of one person and is not healthy for democracy."

Another participant described the Bill as repressive, claiming it allows senior police leadership to run the force with minimal checks and balances. Officers expressed concern that the Commissioner-General could establish commissions of inquiry to investigate personnel, rather than allowing officers to access fair hearings through the courts. Section 5(3), which permits delegation of statutory functions such as convening boards of inquiry to deputies, was also cited as further concentrating power at the top.

Beyond governance concerns, police welfare issues dominated discussions. Officers highlighted provisions in the Bill they said violate workers' rights, such as discharging officers who are sick for six months without pay. "That is a violation of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution," one officer from Mhangura said. Concerns were also raised about punitive transfers, which officers claimed are sometimes used to punish personnel acting professionally, particularly those investigating criminal cartels allegedly bribing senior officials.

The Police Amendment Bill, authorities say, aims to modernize the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) by enhancing administration and operational effectiveness. Key provisions include allowing the Commissioner-General to temporarily suspend officers charged with criminal offences, formally establishing police ranks in legislation, and introducing new codes of conduct. It also provides a legal framework for regulating operations, including the use of force and firearms, while streamlining administrative procedures.

Despite these intended reforms, officers at the Chinhoyi hearing warned that the Bill could undermine accountability, constitutional rights, and democratic policing if implemented in its current form.