Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has introduced body-worn cameras for officers in Manicaland in a converted effort to enhance accountability, professionalism, and public trust.
The move was announced during the relaunch of the Police Client Service Charter in Chipinge last week, where the Officer Commanding Police in Manicaland, Commissioner Charles Nhete, said the move marks a turning point in policing standards in the province.
His speech was read on his behalf by Assistant Commissioner Elliot Muchada.
“We introduced body-worn cameras for police officers. This is a decisive action that brings integrity out of the shadows, encouraging open, accountable and professional policing,” he said, adding that the gadgets are expected to play a dual role in strengthening discipline within the force and protecting officers, who carry out their duties lawfully.
“The gadgets serve as both a deterrent to misconduct and shield for honest officers,” said Commissioner Nhete.
The move comes as part of broader efforts by the police to rebuild public confidence and improve service delivery, amid growing calls for greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement institutions.
Commissioner Nhete acknowledged that relations between the police and the public have, in some instances, been strained, with citizens increasingly demanding improved service standards.
“The ZRP Manicaland command is not blind to murmurs of discontent and disapproval. Stories are heard in marketplaces, newspapers, and the yearning for enhanced police service is being felt. It is at this juncture that we endeavour to rebuild and cherish that trust. We are looking forward to a revived, enduring relationship between the police and the public,” he said, adding that introduction of body cameras is part of a wider reform agenda anchored on the Police Client Service Charter, which outlines the standards that citizens should expect when interacting with law enforcement officers.
“The core importance of this charter is our commitment to meet the service delivery expectations of our clients. It answers the fundamental question, what can every citizen rightfully expect as the minimum service standards when they interact with their police,” he said.
Through the charter, the police should commit themselves to professionalism, efficiency, and transparency in their day-to-day operations.
“We promise you professionalism, where the police officer you meet will not be defined by their uniform, but by their integrity, respect, and commitment to justice. We promise you swiftness, where prompt and reliable responses with clear timelines will be our guiding principle. We promise you transparency, giving you a right to a reference number, a right to follow up, and a right to feedback,” said Commissioner Nhete.
He said the use of body cameras will complement these commitments by ensuring that police interactions with the public are recorded, thereby promoting fairness and accountability on both sides. The cameras are also expected to curb corruption and misconduct within the force, while at the same time protecting officers from false accusations.
Commissioner Nhete urged members of the public to actively participate in strengthening policing by reporting wrongdoing and holding officers accountable.
“Very soon, you will notice that no police officer will go out on deployment in police uniform without wearing his or her name tag. Any untoward behaviour by a police officer must be promptly reported to authorities,” he said, adding that the police expect increased public involvement in tackling corruption within the force.
Commissioner Nhete emphasised that effective policing is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community. He called on communities to work closely with the police through neighbourhood watch schemes and other collaborative initiatives to combat crime.
Commissioner Nhete also challenged police officers to uphold the highest standards of conduct, saying they must be guided by values such as professionalism, respect, integrity, and impartiality.
“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 judgment. Be the solution, not an obstacle,” he said, stressing that the success of the newly relaunched charter and reforms will ultimately be judged by the behaviour of officers on the ground.
Commissioner Nhete said the reforms are aligned with the country’s broader development agenda, which recognises that a safe and secure environment is essential for economic growth and national prosperity.
“As the nation moves towards Vision 2030, we are clear that an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income economy requires strong foundations anchored on a safe and secure environment,” he said.
He also urged both police officers and the public to embrace the new measures, including the use of body cameras, as part of a shared journey towards building a safer and more accountable society.
ENDS
