Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a sweeping ban on its members from engaging in passenger transport businesses, following revelations of widespread misconduct involving serving officers.

The decisive action stems from an internal investigation which exposed numerous instances of police officers operating commuter omnibuses, either personally or via third parties.

A circular distributed to all police units has directed that all such activity must stop with immediate effect.

The probe uncovered worrying cases where vehicles owned by police personnel were reportedly shielded from standard enforcement measures such as roadblocks and compliance checks, raising serious ethical and legal questions about abuse of authority and unfair competition in the transport sector.

The investigation, carried out under the Police Trials and Boards of Inquiry Regulations of 1965 and the Police Act, concluded that many officers had breached internal policies that forbid engagement in private commercial activities without express clearance from the Commissioner-General.

“It is an offence to conduct such business without approval. All officers/members are directed to stop any involvement in the passenger transportation business in whatever manner,” part of the memo reads.

Officers who defy the directive face disciplinary proceedings, including potential hearings before a Board of Inquiry (Suitability) to determine their continued fitness for service.

In addition, specialized police intelligence units have been mandated to enforce compliance and compile reports on any officers who persist in violating the ban.

The move is seen as part of broader efforts by the ZRP to restore public trust and reinforce internal discipline, following growing concern over the blurring of professional boundaries and misuse of police resources for personal gain.

New Ziana