Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda [email protected]
LOCAL authorities in Zimbabwe will soon have powers to establish dedicated municipal police services and municipal courts under a proposed law aimed at strengthening by-law enforcement, improving service delivery and enhancing public safety across the country.
In his post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda announced that Government had considered the proposed Municipal Police and Court Bill, 2026, which seeks to provide local authorities with stronger legal mechanisms to enforce municipal by-laws, deal with traffic-related offences and improve access to justice at community level.
The proposed legislation, which was presented by the chairman of the Cabinet committee on legislation, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, is in line with the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] and the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13], which already empower local authorities to formulate and enforce regulations within their areas of jurisdiction.
Dr Soda said the Bill is designed to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and strengthen compliance with municipal by-laws through the establishment of coordinated enforcement structures.
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management and local crime prevention,” he said.
The proposed municipal police units will be responsible for enforcing council by-laws, addressing cases of non-compliance, apprehending offenders and investigating offences committed under municipal regulations.
The Bill also proposes the establishment of municipal courts to handle cases arising from violations of council by-laws, traffic offences and other minor offences that fall within the jurisdiction of local authorities.
Under the proposed legislation, municipal magistrates will be appointed to preside over these courts, which are expected to speed up the resolution of cases and improve access to justice by dealing with matters at local level.
Dr Soda said the proposed framework would strengthen local governance structures in line with the constitutional principles of devolution while enhancing public safety and environmental management.
