Online Reporter
Talent Gore
The Harare City Council has welcomed Government’s decision to grant arresting powers to municipal police, saying the move will improve enforcement of by-laws and strengthen service delivery.
City of Harare Acting Town Clerk Advocate Warren Chiwawa said Cabinet’s approval to decentralise enforcement would enable the city to respond more effectively to offences such as illegal dumping, touting and vandalism without relying solely on the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
“With the right safeguards, this will help us protect public infrastructure and ensure our by-laws are respected,” said Chiwawa.
“The new powers would be supported by training, clear operating procedures and a complaints system to ensure accountability.”
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume described the decision as a response to long-standing requests by local authorities for greater enforcement powers and the establishment of municipal courts.
“We appreciate Government for listening to us,” said Mafume.
“As a city, we assure residents that in applying these powers we will operate strictly within our by-laws and the country’s governing statutes. Any officer who abuses the powers will be dealt with.”
He said the reforms would enable the city to respond more quickly to by-law violations while protecting council infrastructure.
Ward 41 Councillor Kudzai Kadzombe said once granted the powers must not fuel abuse of residents.
“Once approved the municipal police must not use that power as a tool of brutality on residents, the council should retrain officers, introduce professional courses and enforce accountability before exercising the new powers,” she said.
However, residents’ organisations urged caution, arguing that the reforms should be accompanied by stronger oversight.
Combined Harare Residents Association Director Reuben Akili said while the proposed changes could improve enforcement, the legislation must address accountability, corruption allegations and human rights concerns.
“The law must have strong accountability mechanisms because municipal officials have been implicated in serious human rights violations over the years,” he said.
Harare Residents Trust Director Precious Shumba also called for reforms to improve the image and professionalism of municipal police.
“The reputation of municipal police and traffic enforcement officers is tattered and needs re-imaging. They need training in handling people because many officers are unprofessional,” he said.
