Police Roll Out Speed Guns, Body Cameras

Online Reporter | Chronicle

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has acquired body-worn cameras and advanced traffic enforcement equipment as part of a broader strategy to modernise policing, enhance accountability, and improve road safety.

The force has also procured drones and traffic monitoring cameras, which are already being deployed on major highways and in key urban centres across the country.

Speaking during the recent relaunch of the ZRP Client Service Charter, Police Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba said no officer will be deployed without a name tag and a body-worn camera, a move aimed at strengthening transparency and professionalism within the force.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi yesterday confirmed the acquisition of the new technology, saying implementation processes were at an advanced stage.

“We have procured the cameras and they will be used with immediate effect. As we speak, force numbers and name tags are being finalised to ensure that every police officer is properly identified,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He added that speed cameras are already operational on the country’s highways, while drones are being actively used in major cities.

“I can confirm that speed cameras have been acquired and are already in use on our highways. Harare Central and Bulawayo Central have also begun deploying drones,” he said.

Body-worn cameras are increasingly recognised as a critical tool in modern policing, helping to enhance transparency, improve evidence collection, and increase accountability for both officers and the public. The devices provide objective audio-visual records of police interactions, which can help de-escalate confrontations, reduce complaints against officers, and serve as valuable training material.

Speed cameras, meanwhile, play a key role in monitoring driver behaviour and have been scientifically proven to reduce road traffic accidents by at least 21 percent.

During his address, Commissioner-General Mutamba emphasised that professionalism, respect, integrity, and impartiality must define the conduct of all officers.

“The police are the most visible arm of Government, and citizens interact with us more frequently than with any other institution,” he said.

He urged officers to be the face of justice rather than judgment and encouraged the public to report any misconduct.

“Very soon, no police officer will be deployed in uniform without a name tag. Any untoward behaviour must be promptly reported to the authorities. That is why I am also wearing my name tag,” said Com-Gen Mutamba.

He said the introduction of body-worn cameras represents a decisive step towards open, accountable, and professional policing.

“These gadgets serve both as a deterrent to misconduct and as a shield for honest officers. Technology continues to reshape how we confront crime and manage traffic in an increasingly complex environment,” he said.

Commissioner-General Mutamba added that modern policing requires effective use of technology rather than reliance on traditional methods alone.

“The deployment of drones has significantly strengthened our operational capacity by providing an aerial view of unfolding situations,” he said.

Over the years, the ZRP has continued to embrace technological innovation in response to the evolving nature of crime and public safety challenges.