The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has taken a major step toward modernising traffic law enforcement with the introduction of body-worn cameras for officers assigned to the newly rebranded National Highway Patrol unit. The development marks one of the most significant technological upgrades in the country’s policing strategy in recent years, signalling a shift toward greater transparency, accountability and digital integration within traffic operations.
The initiative was officially launched by Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba during a ceremony marking the rollout of the enhanced National Highway Patrol. The Commissioner-General said the adoption of body cameras represents a decisive move toward professionalising police interactions with motorists and strengthening public trust in the traffic enforcement system.
According to the ZRP, the cameras will be worn by both drivers and assistants on patrol, ensuring that every engagement between police and the public is recorded in real time. This will support more accurate evidence gathering in the event of disputes, allegations of misconduct, or investigations related to road traffic violations. The recordings will form part of a broader electronic traffic management system that is being introduced in phases as part of police modernisation efforts.
Commissioner-General Mutamba said the new system is intended to protect both motorists and police officers. By documenting interactions, the cameras will help reduce misunderstandings, discourage corruption, and improve complaint resolution processes. He said the technology provides an objective record that can be used to verify facts, thereby strengthening the integrity of road traffic operations.
The introduction of body-worn cameras accompanies the deployment of five new high-powered Ford Ranger vehicles assigned to the National Highway Patrol. These vehicles, fitted with advanced monitoring and communication systems, will enhance police visibility, mobility, and responsiveness along major routes. The upgraded fleet is being rolled out at a critical time as the festive season approaches—a period traditionally associated with increased travel, higher traffic volumes, and greater road safety risks.
High-Tech Upgrade: ZRP Introduces Body Cameras for Highway Patrol Officers
Commissioner-General Mutamba said the additional vehicles will bolster police capacity to monitor long-distance routes, intervene swiftly in emergencies, and clamp down on reckless and dangerous driving. He noted that previous festive seasons have often recorded spikes in accidents due to speeding, overtaking in unsafe conditions, drunk driving, and the general surge in road usage. The enhanced highway patrol presence is expected to reduce these risks and safeguard the travelling public.
In his remarks, the Commissioner-General emphasised that the National Highway Patrol is being re-energised with a mix of technology, mobility, and strategic deployment. He said officers have been instructed to prioritise professionalism, visibility, and strict adherence to lawful conduct while on duty. The introduction of body cameras, he added, would complement these expectations by reinforcing accountability and ensuring that policing standards remain consistent across all regions.
Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with officers deployed on highways and to report any dangerous behaviour they witness on the road. The ZRP is encouraging road users to view the National Highway Patrol as a source of assistance rather than purely an enforcement unit. Commissioner-General Mutamba said motorists should feel free to approach patrol teams if they require help—whether due to breakdowns, emergencies, or road-related incidents.
The ZRP is also appealing to long-distance travellers, bus operators, haulage truck drivers, and private motorists to exercise caution and adhere to all traffic regulations, particularly during the December and early January peak travelling period. Police say they will intensify checkpoints, increase patrol frequency, and deploy rapid-response teams on accident-prone highways to improve public safety.
The introduction of body-worn cameras places Zimbabwe among a growing number of countries adopting digital recording tools within law-enforcement systems. Globally, body cameras have become standard equipment in many police agencies because of their ability to improve transparency, reduce conflict between officers and civilians, and support accurate investigations. Local authorities say Zimbabwe’s rollout reflects a commitment to modern policing and aligns with international best practices.
The body cameras and upgraded fleet are expected to form the foundation for additional technological investments in future. As part of the long-term plan, the ZRP intends to expand electronic traffic management systems, adopt more digital data-collection tools, and eventually integrate highway monitoring into a centralised command platform.
For now, the National Highway Patrol’s enhanced deployment marks the first phase of a broader reform agenda aimed at making Zimbabwe’s roads safer and more efficiently policed. Authorities say the combination of new vehicles, modern equipment, and recorded interactions is designed to create a more transparent, supportive, and responsive policing environment—one that protects lives and strengthens public confidence as the country enters another busy festive travel season.
