The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police is still working on rolling out high-tech equipment meant to fight crime and rebrand the organisation.
The equipment, which comprises breathalysers, speed traps and cameras, among other high-tech equipment, would be unveiled and deployed in line with the organisation’s rebranding exercise to transform it into a trustworthy and efficient crime fighting institution.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said ZRP was working hand in glove with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage on the acquisition of the equipment.
“We are working with the ministry, which is in the process of acquiring the equipment. We are working closely with the ministry on getting this latest tech, which will assist us in fighting crime, as well as monitor traffic,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
He said the equipment would also deal with corruption, which had crept into the system. Last year it was reported that the system had undergone successful piloting at several police stations. The development comes as ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga has deepened reforms within the police force through restructuring the organisation.
Comm-General Matanga has consolidated units and departments whose duties overlapped, and all officers are undergoing re-training in basic policing skills, including crime-scene attendance and customer care so as to make the organisation a people’s force.
Comm-General Matanga has enhanced supervision of deployed officers, with the police head conducting impromptu visits at stations and areas of deployment. This is part of the implementation of recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 2018 Post-Election Violence. Comm-Gen Matanga said, during the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade fair (ZITF), that 2019 should be a turning point for all members of the police force, as the organisation was moving towards re-engaging with the public who are its clients.
