Zimbabwe cops allege corruption, criminal capture of ZRP

What was meant to be a routine public hearing on the Police Amendment Bill turned explosive after serving Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers made startling allegations of corruption, victimisation and criminal capture within the force.

The hearing, conducted by the parliamentary portfolio committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans' Affairs, heard testimony from officers who openly identified themselves and accused senior police officials of shielding drug traffickers and other criminals.

The officers alleged that organised crime syndicates have penetrated the upper ranks of the ZRP, leaving junior officers powerless to enforce the law.

Officer Jerry Jeko told the committee that senior officers routinely interfere with arrests involving suspected drug traffickers.

"We have a serious problem within our police force where civilians involved in drug trafficking have criminal relationships with our bosses," Jeko said.

"If you arrest them, instructions will come from above ordering you to release them."

He said officers who refuse to comply are often punished through arbitrary transfers.

"What pains us most is that the instruction is usually followed by a punitive transfer to the remotest part of the province," he said.

"Without justification or investigations, you are moved. So, to protect our jobs, we end up not arresting them."

Another officer, Cremio Mapanga, accused senior officers of weaponising disciplinary processes to punish those who attempt to enforce the law impartially.

"Most disciplinary cases target officers who try to enforce the law without fear or favour," Mapanga said.

"The outcomes are often pre-determined to expel the accused officer."

Speaking after the hearing, an officer who identified himself as Chihombori said he was transferred from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport after arresting a Chinese national allegedly found in possession of gold.

"We arrested a Chinese national after finding him with gold, but instead of him being taken to court, the three of us were transferred to different provinces," he said.

"I was sent to Mashonaland West, to the remotest base station."

The officers further alleged the existence of powerful criminal cartels involving police officers, prosecutors and magistrates, warning that the networks are spreading "like veld fire".

Promotion practices within the police force also came under scrutiny.

Officer Dzidzai Chiodze, based in Mhangura, said promotions were riddled with nepotism, favouritism and corruption.

"Promotion in the police force is biased," Chiodze said.

"One can serve for more than 10 years with a clean record and still not be promoted. Some officers now pay money for their names to be considered."

The allegations echo developments in South Africa last year, where KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of links to criminal gangs — claims that prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

The Police Amendment Bill seeks to align the Police Act with the Constitution, particularly Section 219, which outlines the establishment and functions of the police service.

Once enacted, the Bill will establish a Police Service and an independent Police Service Commission, in line with regional best practices such as those in South Africa.

The proposed commission is expected to play an oversight role over the police service — a move legislators hope will curb abuse of power and restore public confidence in law enforcement.