Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) is mounting a determined defence against a crippling wave of vandalism and infrastructure theft that threatens the nation’s logistics backbone. Addressing the crisis head-on, the parastatal yesterday celebrated the deployment of 59 newly recruited security personnel, including 24 women, specifically tasked with safeguarding critical railway assets across the country.
NRZ Board Chairman, Dr Misheck Sibanda, presided over the pass-out parade at the Westgate Security Training Centre in Bulawayo, stressing that the mission is to ensure “maximum protection” of cargo, personnel and rail lines, allowing the organisation to reclaim its strategic position in regional logistics.
The move signals a crucial commitment to curbing the serious financial and operational damage caused by the rampant theft of railway infrastructure.
Dr Sibanda said NRZ was a cornerstone of the country’s economic infrastructure and an enabler of industrialisation, trade and the movement of goods.
“For NRZ to reclaim its strategic position in regional and national logistics, the protection of rail infrastructure, cargo, personnel and assets is non-negotiable. This is where you, the graduating trainees, come in,” he said.
He said that throughout their training, the graduates were equipped with critical skills in foot drill, silent drill, unarmed defence, statutory laws relevant to NRZ operations, ethics and other essential security competencies. These skills, he said, prepared them to operate confidently in environments that demand vigilance, discipline and professionalism.
“Security is not merely about guarding property but about safeguarding national progress. Every locomotive that moves, every consignment delivered, every passenger transported safely contributes directly to the economic growth envisaged in Vision 2030,” said Dr Sibanda.
He expressed concern over illegal mining, copper cable thefts and vandalism along rail servitudes, which threaten operational safety and viability.
“In 2025, a total of 102 cases were recorded throughout the country, and of these, 36 involved illegal mining activities encroaching into the railway servitude. At the same time, 71 arrests were made for vandalism of railway infrastructure, and out of these, 13 offenders were successfully convicted under the Railways Act and sentenced to between five and 10 years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the strengthened enforcement approach,” said Dr Sibanda.
He noted that the deployment of motorcycle patrol units, drone surveillance and collaboration with the Zimbabwe Republic Police has improved information flow and response to reported cases.
Dr Sibanda commended the school instructors and Loss Control management for grooming well-disciplined graduates, as shown by the sharp drills exhibited during the parade — a reflection of their dedication to moulding security professionals who will serve the organisation with honour.
“Bulawayo remains a key transport and industrial hub, and therefore it is fitting that such high-level training is conducted here. As Zimbabwe, through the Mutapa Investment Fund, focuses on rehabilitating NRZ rail infrastructure and strengthening this national institution, the work of the NRZ Loss Control and Security Services becomes increasingly significant.
To the graduates, wearing this uniform means you are ambassadors of integrity and discipline as you will be entrusted with protecting critical national assets. Therefore, you must always uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct,” said Dr Sibanda.
He further urged the graduates to remain vigilant and professional while committing themselves to continuous learning so they can effectively support the transformation of NRZ within the framework of Vision 2030.
