Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Police officers must embody professionalism, integrity and impartiality if they are to earn public trust and effectively serve the nation, Commissioner-General of the police, Stephen Mutamba has said.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Client Service Charter recently, Comm-Gen Mutamba said as the most visible arm of Government, the police service must project respect, accountability and transparency in all its dealings with citizens.
“As the most visible arm of Government, we must embody professionalism, respect, integrity and impartiality. Let us be a beacon of hope rather than fear, the face of justice instead of judgment,” he said.
He implored communities to regard police officers not as an occupying force, but as members of the same national family.
“I encourage you to consider this metaphor: think of our beautiful nation as a flock, with the police serving as shepherds, tasked with its protection,” said Comm-Gen Mutamba.
“Yet, just as a shepherd cannot be everywhere at once, we rely on the community to alert us when danger is looming. It is essential for the flock to assist in building a secure environment, as a shepherd who neglects their flock ultimately fails in their duty.”
He said effective policing depends on cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
“When the community and the police work in harmony, we all thrive together. This commitment will be judged not just by eloquent words but by the actions we inspire and the results we achieve,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba encouraged citizens to avoid confrontation with officers and instead use formal channels to report misconduct or corruption.
“Hold your Police Service accountable. Use the contact information provided in the Client Service Charter to share your concerns, commendations and suggestions,” he said.
As part of efforts to enhance transparency, he announced that police officers on duty will soon be required to wear clearly visible name tags.
The move is meant to improve accountability by making it easier for the public to identify officers, report misconduct where necessary and also commend good service.
Visible identification, he said, strengthens public confidence and discourages unprofessional behaviour.
In addition, the ZRP will introduce body-worn cameras for officers while on duty.
The devices will record interactions between police and the public, creating an objective record that can be used in investigations, court proceedings and disciplinary processes.
Comm-Gen Mutamba said the cameras are expected to deter misconduct, protect citizens from abuse and shield upright officers from false accusations.
“To promote integrity and accountability, we are introducing body-worn cameras for officers,” he said.
“These devices will deter misconduct and protect honest officers.”
The police, he added, are also embracing modern technology to improve operational efficiency, including the use of drones for aerial surveillance.
The drones will assist in monitoring large gatherings, tracking suspects and enhancing rapid response to crime scenes.
“Modern policing cannot be confined to the ground; we are utilising drones to strengthen our operational capacity with aerial surveillance,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba called for greater public participation in fighting crime and corruption, urging communities to support neighbourhood watch committees and other collaborative safety initiatives.
“A tree grows stronger when it withstands the winds that blow against it. Your feedback, especially when pointing out our mistakes, is the gust that will make the ZRP stronger, more resilient, and more trustworthy,” he added.
He urged citizens to embrace the new Client Service Charter as a shared commitment to building trust and improving service delivery.
