Zimbabwe Set to Launch Municipal Courts as Police Gain Arrest Powers
The Zimbabwean government is reportedly moving to set up Municipal Courts to support plans to give Municipal Police arresting powers. While the timeline for the courts’ establishment remains unclear, the move signals a step toward strengthening law enforcement at the municipal level.
CITE reported on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, that the government is planning Municipal Courts to complement the proposed empowerment of Municipal Police. CITE said:
“The Zimbabwean Government is set to establish Municipal Courts to complement the proposed empowerment of Municipal Police with arresting powers.”
Zimbabwe to Establish Municipal Courts as Municipal Police Get Arresting Powers
Municipal Police across the country are expected to gain arresting powers once amendments to the Urban Councils Act are finalised. However, they will not operate independently.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said during a press conference at the Bulawayo City Council chambers in March 2025 that municipal police would continue working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who remain the main law enforcement authority.
“As we speak, we are amending the Urban Councils Act to grant municipal police arresting powers. However, for now, they will continue working closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who are mandated to enforce law and order,” said Minister Garwe.
Challenges Facing Municipal Police
Municipal police in Zimbabwe have been having a torrid time in trying to put order in cities and towns due to a lack of arresting powers. In most cases, they end up teaming with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). This has seen them failing to effectively deal with the issue of vendors and the traffic situation, especially in Harare.
It, however, remains to be seen if the move will come to pass, as there is a likelihood that there might be a need to avail budgetary support to properly train the municipal police and regularise their training to match the ZRP.
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The post Zimbabwe Set to Launch Municipal Courts as Police Gain Arrest Powers appeared first on iHarare News.
