Zimbabwe police deploy drones to fight crime

Police in Manicaland have deployed drones in Mutare as part of a technology-driven policing strategy aimed at strengthening surveillance and tackling criminal activities across the city.

The deployment was announced yesterday during a back-to-school safety awareness campaign held in Mutare's Central Business District and at Sakubva Terminus.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said the drones would be used to monitor and detect illegal activities, including illegal mining, touting and other forms of criminal conduct.

"Drones are now in Mutare to monitor all illegal activities," Chinyoka said.

He said the initiative forms part of the Zimbabwe Republic Police's Smart Policing programme, which seeks to use modern technology to enhance crime detection, prevention and law enforcement.

The campaign also focused heavily on road safety ahead of the reopening of schools, with police warning motorists against speeding, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Chinyoka said police were using breathalysers to identify intoxicated drivers, particularly during the busy back-to-school period when traffic volumes are expected to increase.

Parents were urged to use registered public transport operators and avoid unlicensed commuter vehicles, commonly known as mushika-shika, when transporting children.

Chinyoka also encouraged parents and passengers to take an active role in promoting road safety by challenging drivers who engage in reckless behaviour.

"Parents have the right to tell drivers not to speed or overload their vehicles. They should report reckless and dangerous driving to the police," he said.

The awareness campaign brought together police officers, commuters and transport operators in the CBD and at Sakubva Terminus, where officers engaged the public on safe transport practices and compliance with traffic regulations.

Officer Commanding Manicaland Province Commissioner Charles Nhete attended the event and interacted with stakeholders.

The introduction of drones adds aerial surveillance to conventional police patrols and other law enforcement operations, with authorities expecting the technology to improve monitoring and response to criminal activities in both urban and remote areas.

Police have urged residents to work with law enforcement by reporting criminal activities and dangerous driving as authorities maintain heightened vigilance during the back-to-school period.