Zimbabwe police roadblocks to stay

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is embracing technology to enhance law enforcement through the introduction of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which will revolutionize crime tracking and criminal identification.

The system, a collaboration between the ZRP and the Zimbabwe Centre for High-Performance Computing (ZCHPC), is set to modernize the police force by replacing manual fingerprint analysis with a sophisticated digital solution.

Speaking during a demonstration of the new system at the ZCHPC offices in Harare, Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative.

“These efforts align with the Government's vision of fostering home-grown solutions to national challenges. The ZRP AFIS system showcases how technology can enhance law enforcement by improving crime detection, prevention, and overall efficiency,” said Prof Tagwira.

He emphasized that the system aligns with National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and President Emmerson Mnangagwa's vision of building an innovation-led economy.

“This initiative reflects the power of collaboration in leveraging technology to enhance national security and public service delivery. It is an example of how Zimbabwe can develop cutting-edge solutions that meet global standards,” he added.

Police Commissioner-General Steven Mutamba applauded the initiative, noting how the new system would enable faster and more accurate criminal investigations.

“In the past, fingerprint analysis was done manually, taking a lot of time and effort. With this system, we can now identify criminals more efficiently, whether they've broken into premises or committed other crimes,” said Comm-Gen Mutamba.

He pointed out that AFIS is widely used in developed countries, and its adoption by ZRP marks a significant step toward modernizing Zimbabwe's policing efforts.

“This system will allow us to investigate crimes as quickly as people expect us to,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZRP has reiterated the importance of roadblocks as part of its Constitutional mandate. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained that roadblocks are essential for managing smuggled goods, identifying moving criminals, and enforcing traffic laws.

“Roadblocks help in accounting for individuals involved in robberies and other crimes. Additionally, they are critical for traffic management and targeting lawlessness on the roads,” said Comm Nyathi.

He urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement at checkpoints.

“There's no need to be confrontational or militant at police checkpoints. If you've committed an offence, allow the due process of the law to take its course,” he said.

The police are also intensifying operations against illegal pirate taxis (commonly referred to as "mushikashika"), which have been causing chaos on the roads and endangering lives. The operation aims to restore order and ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

The introduction of AFIS represents a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe's law enforcement, leveraging technology to improve national security and public service delivery. The ZRP's move toward smart policing demonstrates a commitment to modernizing its operations and enhancing the safety of citizens.