Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chada
IN recent weeks, headlines have once again taken a hostile tone towards Zimbabwe’s law enforcement, particularly the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), following two tragic incidents involving the deaths of suspects in police custody — one at Malalume Police Base in Bulilima, Matabeleland South Province, and another at Ruwa Police Station in Mashonaland East.
Online media outlets, especially those with a clear anti-establishment bias, have been quick to fan the flames, portraying the ZRP as a rogue, brutal force operating with impunity.
Such narratives, though sensational and clickable, are deeply misleading and profoundly unjust to the thousands of ZRP officers, who serve our communities daily with diligence, restraint and integrity.
Indeed, it is deeply regrettable that lives were lost in custody. Deaths in detention, wherever and whenever they occur, warrant thorough investigation, justice and accountability. But let us be clear: these incidents, while tragic, do not and should not define the entire ZRP.
Online publications have made it a recurring theme to depict the ZRP as perpetually abusive, corrupt and violent. This is not only dishonest but also harmful to national cohesion. There is a growing trend among these media houses, to weaponise isolated incidents, to paint a broad-brush image of systemic brutality, ignoring the broader context and the commendable work done by the ZRP in curbing crime across the nation.
To claim that these two deaths are representative of the entire police force is as absurd as blaming all medical professionals for the malpractice of a single negligent doctor.
Every institution has its outliers, and where misconduct is proven, the system must respond — and it usually does. But generalising such cases to indict an entire institution is an exercise in political theatre, not responsible journalism.
Instead of focusing solely on the few bad episodes, let us not forget the significant and often thankless work the ZRP carries out daily.
From dismantling organised crime syndicates to making arrests in cases of rape, theft, murder and drug trafficking, the ZRP remains a central pillar in ensuring Zimbabwe’s safety and security.
For instance, over the past year, the ZRP has successfully disrupted several cross-border smuggling operations, apprehended individuals involved in violent robberies, and secured convictions in high-profile murder cases.
These successes rarely make headlines in the same way allegations of brutality do, yet they reflect the institution’s true operational character. In rural areas, where formal state institutions are limited, ZRP officers often serve as peacekeepers and community liaisons, maintaining order in environments where conflict could otherwise thrive.
Those quick to condemn the ZRP as uniquely brutal would do well to examine police conduct globally. In the United States — often held up as a beacon of democracy — police officers killed over 1 000 black people in 2023 alone, according to credible watchdog groups.
Many of these deaths occurred during arrests or in custody. Cases such as George Floyd’s (25 May 2020), Breonna Taylor’s (13 March 2020) and countless others demonstrate that police misconduct is a global issue, not one unique to Zimbabwe.
Even in well-established democracies like the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, allegations of brutality, racial profiling, and excessive use of force are frequent topics of public discourse.
The critical difference is that while those societies engage in self-reflection, their media rarely seek to completely delegitimise their law enforcement institutions. In Zimbabwe, unfortunately, some corners of the media appear intent on doing precisely that.
None of this is to suggest that the ZRP is beyond reproach — far from it. Like all law enforcement bodies, it must continue to evolve, modernise and hold its officers accountable when lines are crossed.
The deaths in Ruwa and Malalume Police Base are painful reminders that even one incident of misconduct is one too many.
To this end, a constructive approach would be for the ZRP to invest in anger management training and psychological support programmes for officers. Policing is a high-stress profession that often places officers in volatile, emotionally charged situations.
Ensuring that the police are equipped not only physically but also mentally, can reduce the likelihood of excessive force being used. Officers must be trained not just in procedure but also in emotional intelligence and de-escalation techniques.
Additionally, the establishment of an independent internal affairs division or civilian oversight board could provide greater transparency and bolster public trust. Constructive reform, rather than destructive criticism, is what Zimbabwe needs.
The deaths of suspects in custody — whether due to overzealous officers or medical negligence — must be investigated with the full weight of the law. Families deserve answers, and accountability must be non-negotiable. But to use these incidents as the basis for declaring the ZRP a rogue institution is not only unfair — it is dangerously myopic.
The ZRP remains one of the few national institutions with a tangible presence across Zimbabwe’s diverse urban and rural landscape. Its officers, drawn from our communities, face unimaginable challenges every day.
The handful of officers, who may have failed in their duties must face justice, but they do not represent the whole institution.
Critics must learn to distinguish between seeking justice and seeking vengeance. Zimbabwe needs responsible dialogue, not knee-jerk outrage. If we genuinely care about improving policing, let us focus on supporting reforms — not dismantling public trust.
The men and women in uniform deserve more than smear campaigns; they deserve support, accountability and above all, fairness.
