Zimbabwe’s Traffic Police have begun deploying body-worn cameras nationwide in a landmark move aimed at fighting corruption, improving transparency, and strengthening public trust in law enforcement operations at roadblocks.
The initiative, launched ahead of the busy festive season, is part of a broader strategy by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to promote accountability and reduce bribery incidents that have long plagued the country’s roads.
According to details obtained from the ZRP and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the body-cam rollout is expected to cover major highways, city checkpoints, and high-risk traffic zones where cases of misconduct by both drivers and police are most common.
Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe said the cameras will help curb illegal transactions, document traffic violations accurately, and assist in investigations where disputes arise between motorists and officers.
“These devices will protect both the police and the motoring public. They ensure that engagements at roadblocks are recorded and can be reviewed whenever necessary,” he explained.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi emphasized that the cameras would also assist in monitoring dangerous holiday-season behaviours such as drunken driving, speeding, overloaded vehicles, and unroadworthy cars, which annually contribute to high accident statistics.
The cameras form part of the government’s digital policing reforms, which also include:
- Enhanced highway patrols
- Increased visible policing
- Technology-driven law-enforcement tools
- Improved monitoring of officers on duty
Motorists who spoke to the media expressed cautious optimism, stating that the cameras could significantly reduce roadside bribery if implemented consistently.
As traffic volumes rise ahead of Christmas and New Year, authorities say the body-cams will play a vital role in improving road safety, reducing fatalities, and ensuring that officers remain professional and accountable.
