Online Reporter
Tendai Vambe
Post Reporter
POLICE in Manicaland have deployed drones in Mutare as part of a new technology-driven strategy to enhance surveillance and clamp down on criminal activities across the city.
The announcement was made yesterday during a back-to-school safety awareness campaign held in Mutare’s Central Business District and at Sakubva Terminus.
Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said the drones will be used to monitor and detect a range of illegal activities, including illegal mining, touting and other forms of criminal conduct.
“Drones are now in Mutare to monitor all illegal activities,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said the deployment forms part of the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Smart Policing initiative, which seeks to harness modern technology to improve crime detection, prevention and law enforcement.
Apart from crime surveillance, the campaign placed significant emphasis on road safety as schools prepare to reopen and thousands of learners return to classrooms.
Police warned motorists against speeding, overloading vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol, which remain among the leading causes of road traffic accidents.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said law enforcement officers are also using breathalysers to identify motorists driving while intoxicated, particularly during the busy back-to-school period when traffic volumes increase.
Parents were urged to prioritise the safety of their children by using registered public transport operators rather than unlicensed commuter vehicles, commonly known as mushika-shika.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka further challenged parents and passengers to take a more active role in promoting road safety.
“Parents have the right to tell drivers not to speed or overload their vehicles. They should report reckless and dangerous driving to the police,” he said.
The awareness campaign brought together police officers, commuters and transport operators in the CBD and at Sakubva Terminus, where officers engaged members of the public on safe transport practices and compliance with traffic regulations.
Officer Commanding Manicaland Province, Commissioner Charles Nhete, attended the event and interacted with stakeholders.
The introduction of drones marks a significant shift towards technology-based policing in the province, adding aerial surveillance capabilities to conventional patrols and other law enforcement operations.
Police believe the technology will enhance monitoring of criminal activities and improve response times in both urban and remote areas.
With schools set to reopen, authorities say they will maintain heightened vigilance on road safety and public transport compliance to ensure learners travel safely.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activities and dangerous driving practices.
The deployment of drones signals an increasing reliance on modern technology in policing, as authorities seek to strengthen security, improve public safety and enhance crime-fighting efforts across Mutare and the wider Manicaland Province.
