In a move to curb corruption, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned its officers from using mobile phones while on duty.
The ban, which took effect immediately, aims to prevent officers from engaging in corrupt activities, such as taking bribes, during their shifts.
According to a leaked memo, officers are required to surrender their mobile phones to their supervisors at the start of their shift and can only use them during break and lunch times.
The memo emphasised that commanders were responsible for enforcing this ban, and failure to comply would result in disciplinary action.
“Despite numerous instructions given forbidding use of cell phones whilst on duty by members of the Police Service, commanders are not enforcing this,” read part of the memo.
“With immediate effect, no member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty. Cell phones should only be used during break and lunch times.
“Once a member is found with a cellphone whilst on duty, the Officer in- Charge of the said member will be put to task.
“Upon commencement of duty, the Officer in-Charge should take possession of the cell phones and lock them in the safe or cabinet.
“All stations standard operation procedures should contain a clause governing the use of cell phones whilst on duty and members should acknowledge having read and understood the SOPs.”
The move comes after two traffic enforcement officers were arrested in Harare for taking bribes from public transport vehicles. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi condemned the officers’ actions, labelling them “bad apples” who don’t deserve to serve in the police force.
