Cabinet Approves New Law To Strengthen Municipal Police And Establish Municipal Courts
Cabinet has approved a Bill that would give municipal police stronger powers and pave the way for the establishment of municipal courts across Zimbabwe. The proposed legislation, approved on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, is aimed at strengthening community safety, improving by-law enforcement and enhancing access to justice through local authorities.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda announced the decision during the Twenty-Fifth Post-Cabinet Briefing in Harare. He said the Bill was presented by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
Municipal Police To Receive Stronger Legal Powers
According to The Herald, the Municipal Police and Courts Bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing municipal law enforcement by enabling local authorities to establish dedicated and professional municipal police services.
Explaining the purpose of the Bill, Dr Soda said:
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management and local crime prevention.”
He noted that while local authorities already have powers under the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act to make and enforce by-laws, stronger institutional arrangements are needed.
Dr Soda added:
“In order to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and access to justice, local authorities require coordinated structures and strengthened municipal enforcement of by-laws to address issues of non-compliance, including apprehension of offenders of by-laws, investigation and prosecution of such offences.”
Bill Also Creates Municipal Courts
The proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of municipal courts to hear cases involving municipal by-laws, traffic offences and other minor violations. It also outlines the appointment of municipal magistrates and sets out the courts’ jurisdiction.
Speaking during the briefing, Dr Soda said the reforms would strengthen local governance in line with Zimbabwe’s constitutional devolution agenda.
“Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes.”
What Happens Next?
The Bill must still be considered by Parliament before it can become law. If enacted, local authorities would gain stronger legal and institutional tools to improve by-law enforcement, traffic management and community safety while supporting more efficient local government service delivery.
The post Cabinet Approves Bill To Expand Municipal Police Powers And Create Municipal Courts appeared first on iHarare News.
