ZRP acquires machines to detect fake IDs, passports

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has acquired advanced forensic technology capable of detecting counterfeit documents, fake identity cards and passports, as well as fraudulent activities involving forged signatures.

Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba commissioned the new equipment at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Harare this week, marking another step towards strengthening the force's capacity to combat sophisticated forms of crime.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the machines would significantly enhance the capabilities of the ZRP's Forensic Science Directorate and CID.

"The ZRP has acquired the latest technologically advanced VSC machines (QDE) to assist the Police's Forensic Science Directorate and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to detect fake Identity Cards (IDs), Passports, counterfeit documents, fraudulent activities through the use of false signatures and other criminal activities," Nyathi said.

The technology is expected to assist investigators in identifying sophisticated alterations and forgeries that may be difficult to detect through conventional examination methods.

The acquisition comes as the police continue efforts to modernise their operations and equip officers with tools capable of responding to increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.

In 2019, the ZRP also announced the acquisition of modern surveillance equipment as part of efforts to bring policing in Zimbabwe in line with international standards.

The development was disclosed by then Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube at the conclusion of a week-long rebranding and refresher course attended by 55 senior officers at Ntabazinduna Training Depot.

Ncube said modern technology was essential for the effective functioning of any contemporary police organisation.

"As an organisation, we are aware that for the rebranding exercise to be successful, we should be well resourced," he said.

"Without doubt, policing requires timeous deployment of necessary equipment. In these contemporary times we are living in, our police service must have modern tools of trade such as drones, helicopters, vehicles and surveillance cameras to mention just a few."

He also emphasised the need for officers to have decent working and living conditions, including adequate office space and accommodation.

Ncube said the police were encouraged by Government commitments to provide the force with the necessary resources and pledged that the organisation would continue engaging the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage over the fulfilment of those commitments.

At the time, the police confirmed that some modern surveillance equipment had already been received and that officers were undergoing training on its use.

However, Ncube did not disclose the specific nature of the surveillance equipment, saying details would be made public in due course.

"Government has pledged to assist us by provision of the latest technologies. Let me share with the house that we have since received some latest surveillance gadgets and we have some officers who are undergoing training in terms of the usage of that equipment and indeed our performance will be improved," he said.

Ncube also linked the police rebranding programme to what he described as the life cycle of an eagle, arguing that organisations must periodically reinvent themselves in order to remain effective and relevant.

He said the police had chosen to undergo what he acknowledged was a difficult transformation process in the interests of the organisation's long-term survival.

The modernisation drive is also closely linked to the police's wider role in supporting Zimbabwe's economic development ambitions.

Ncube said a safe and secure environment was essential for attracting investment, warning that investors were unlikely to commit their resources to areas affected by high levels of crime.

"Investors are reluctant to put their wealth in a crime-prone environment. Equally, communities abhor crime," he said.

He added that, in line with the country's Vision 2030 agenda, the police should remain "a symbol of peace and a place of refuge".

The latest forensic machines are therefore expected to strengthen the ZRP's investigative capabilities, particularly in cases involving identity fraud, document forgery, financial crime and other offences where the authenticity of documents and signatures is central to investigations.