Latwell Nyangu
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Staff College has expanded its academic programmes to include specialised training in cyber security, forensic science and financial investigations as part of efforts to equip law enforcement officers with the skills needed to combat emerging forms of crime.
The new programmes are aimed at strengthening investigative capacity in response to increasingly sophisticated criminal activities, including cybercrime, money laundering, terrorist financing and other complex financial offences.
Speaking at the college’s 43rd graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026, Principal Assistant Commissioner Howard Makiwa said the institution currently offers 18 programmes in partnership with local universities and higher education institutions.
“The programmes include seven offered in affiliation with the University of Zimbabwe, one with Bindura University of Science Education, one with the Higher Education Examinations Council (HEXCO), and nine internally certified programmes,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Makiwa said the institution was established to equip officers with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes required for the professional execution of police duties.
“The Police Staff College exists to produce graduates who are fit for contemporary policing and can serve with integrity, professionalism and creativity,” he said.
Tracing the college’s growth, Assistant Commissioner Makiwa said a major milestone was achieved in 1996 when the institution attained associate status with the University of Zimbabwe, enabling it to introduce diploma programmes in adult education and college studies.
A partnership with Bindura University of Science Education followed in 2005, resulting in the introduction of a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours Degree in Police and Security, fully sponsored by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. The collaboration was expanded in 2008 with the introduction of a Diploma in Public Relations.
In 2018, the college launched a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Community Education and Lifelong Learning Policy under its University of Zimbabwe affiliate status.
In line with modern policing requirements, the college later introduced the Diploma in Cyber Security Management, Diploma in Forensic Science Investigations and Diploma in Financial Investigations.
“These programmes demonstrate the college’s commitment to innovation and its capacity to adapt proactively to evolving security challenges,” said Assistant Commissioner Makiwa.
He described the Diploma in Financial Investigations as unique in Central and Southern Africa, noting that it was developed in collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Unit, the European Union, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the President’s Department and HEXCO.
The programme was launched by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba on October 13, 2020, to enhance investigations into money laundering, terrorist financing and other sophisticated financial crimes.
Assistant Commissioner Makiwa said 395 students, comprising 240 males and 155 females, graduated this year. Of these, 223 received University of Zimbabwe diplomas while 172 earned internally certified qualifications. He added that 20 graduates came from sister security organisations.
“To date, a total of 13,380 officers have graduated from the Police Staff College since its inception in 1981,” he said.
The college employs a blended learning approach that combines face-to-face instruction, virtual learning and work-related learning attachments to strengthen practical competence and broaden exposure.
Assistant Commissioner Makiwa also reported progress on ongoing infrastructure development projects, including the construction of new ablution facilities, which are now 90 percent complete.
He said the college’s partnerships with academic institutions and specialised agencies reflect its commitment to research-driven and multidisciplinary approaches to addressing national, regional and global security challenges.
Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, Assistant Commissioner Makiwa said: “Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.”
He said the statement reflects the values the college seeks to instil in its graduates and its commitment to academic excellence, integrity and professional competence.
