Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike and Aaron Nyamayaro
Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba says the public must hold the Zimbabwe Republic Police accountable, urging greater citizen participation in the fight against corruption within the service.
Comm-Gen Mutamba reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to meeting public service delivery expectations.
He made the remarks at the relaunch of the ZRP Client Service Charter in Harare yesterday.
The Charter sets service standards and outlines what members of the public should expect from the police, as well as their rights and obligations.
“We are gathered here for a purpose that is at the very heart of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s constitutional mandate. Driven by the inherent obligation to serve, we are gathered to renew our covenant and reiterate our commitment to the very oath that we swore to the people of Zimbabwe by reinvigorating the Police Client Service Charter. It is a commitment,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba said the charter was central to demonstrating the police’s resolve to meet service delivery expectations, adding that it defines the minimum standards citizens should expect when engaging with the police.
“In so doing, we clearly set out the standards for professionalism, courtesy and efficiency. This is far more than a document. It is a solemn pledge and handshake extended to every human being within the confines of Zimbabwe. It is a reaffirmation of what the Zimbabwe Republic Police stands for.
“I therefore take this opportunity to pledge our collective and undivided attention to pursue the needs and aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe — citizens, visitors and residents alike,” he said.
He said the relaunch of the charter was aligned with national expectations as the country moves towards Vision 2030.
“As the nation enters the final lap of the shared Vision 2030, we are clear on the overall expectation that an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income economy requires strong foundations anchored on a safe and secure environment,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba acknowledged that public trust in the police had, in some cases, deteriorated.
“The trust between the police and the public has, in some instances, deteriorated and I am very much aware of that. I may liken it to a village well that is renowned for vibrancy but has begun to silt up. The water is still there admittedly, giving life and essentials, but the path to it is margined and the effort to draw from it has become too onerous a task for some. “Today, we commit to clearing the well — some kind of reclamation, if I may say. This Client Service Charter is our shovel, our bucket and our promise of clean and clear water for all of us. The charter we are proclaiming today marks a decisive turn.”
“It is a call to unity, to move beyond our gates and join a collective front against crime. Our shared security depends not only on individual vigilance but also on everyone’s determination. Let us march forward as one,” he said.
He pledged that police officers would be guided by integrity, respect and commitment to justice.
“We promise you swiftness, where prompt and reliable responses with clear timelines will be our guiding principle. We are reinvigorating our policing impetus through unwavering efficiency and professional standards that serve all our clients.
“We promise you transparency, giving you a right to a reference number, a right to follow up, and a right to feedback. This is the standard and our promise to you,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba urged citizens to share information with the police, noting that every detail was important.
He reminded officers that they were custodians of the values enshrined in the service charter.
“Professionalism, respect, integrity, impartiality must be the blood that runs through our veins. We are the most visible arm of government and citizens interact with us more often. Let us be the face of hope, not of fear. Be the face of justice, not of judgement. Be the solution and not an obstacle.
“To the people of Zimbabwe, hold your police service accountable. Use the phone numbers and social media handles in the Client Service Charter to share with us your concerns, appreciations and suggestions,” he said.
Comm-Gen Mutamba said police officers would soon not be deployed in uniform without name tags and urged the public to promptly report any misconduct.
“The organisation expects increased public involvement in tackling police corruption,” he said.
He said the introduction of body-worn cameras was aimed at promoting integrity and accountability within the service.
Comm-Gen Mutamba said the devices would act as both a deterrent to misconduct and protection for officers who uphold professional standards.
“Building on this foundation, technology continues to reshape how we confront crime and manage traffic in an increasingly complex environment. Just as vigilance cannot rest on one watchful gaze alone, modern policing cannot remain confined to the ground.
“The use of drones has strengthened our operational capacity by giving us an aerial view of what is happening,” he said.
The public and stakeholders in the justice delivery system graced the launch.
