ZRP Responds To Roadblock Complaints Following Public Outcry
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has spoken on the issue of police roadblocks across the country following growing public complaints. In a press statement released on 23 October 2025, the ZRP said it had “taken note of the public’s concerns” and assured citizens that deployments are regulated and supervised.
ZRP Explains Roadblock Policy
In the official statement, Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained the procedures.
“All police roadblock schedules are submitted by Station, District and Provincial Police Commanders to the Police General Headquarters’ Operations Department, for guidance and clearance,” he said.
Nyathi added that there are clear rules to prevent excessive deployment.
“The policy of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is that no roadblocks are manned within a 30 to 50 kilometre radius of each policing area, whether in urban or rural setup,” he said.
He stressed that officers are monitored.
“The police officers conducting roadblock duties are supervised by Station, District and Provincial Commanders to prevent cases of indiscipline or corruption and ensure quality service to the public.”
Roadblocks During Special Operations
The ZRP admitted that numbers could increase during national events or emergencies.
“Police roadblocks are heightened or increased during public order situations, national events, or special operations such as reacting to an immediate incident or scene involving moving criminals or stolen property,” Nyathi explained.
However, he said that once the situation is resolved, deployment should “revert back to the ideal scenario.”
The police urged citizens to report any unusual deployments directly to the Commissioner-General of Police or to the Provincial Commanders. Complaints can also be lodged via the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or WhatsApp at 0712 800 197.
Nyathi warned that officers found acting outside police policy would face action.
“Disciplinary action will be taken against any police officer who conducts roadblock duties in a manner which is not in conformity with police set standards.”
Public Reactions
The press statement triggered strong reactions online.
One user, @shepherd_major, posted:
“PaMakoni Chitungwiza roadblock iri 50m from the station and that roadblock haina kana book or drum vangori nemboma chete, chii chakadaro.”
(At Makoni Chitungwiza the roadblock is 50 metres from the station and it has no book or drum, they only have spikes, what is happening?)
Another user, @KingMon42144465, wrote:
“Kupinda muTown kubva kuSouthlea Park unosvika Southerton yakakwidibira road dzese.”
(Driving into town from Southlea Park you face multiple roadblocks at Southerton.)
Others accused police of targeting motorists unfairly. @calvindzimati said:
“Takutozeza kudriver everyday because apo neapo wamiswa…We need to drive freely.”
(We are now afraid to drive every day because you are stopped everywhere. We need freedom on the roads.)
Several users also called for accountability. @EvanAndrewsCon1 suggested:
“The officer in-charge of the roadblock must acquire a roadblock clearance from the station.”
Some felt the ZRP was not being truthful. @MangenaTariro posted:
“YOU ARE LYING.”
Others shared frustration over multiple stops in a short distance. @Vincent67691144 noted:
“Highglen shops Bidiriro 2 police then less kilometre same road Aspindale flyover Warren Park police hey its bad.”
From Masvingo, @munapoano pleaded:
“It’s now too much…hope they will take heed of your statement.”
And one user, @stewie_lois, mocked:
“Nyathi ngaambopinda mu honda fit ogara mu boot. Ambozvionera zvatiri kutaura.”
(Nyathi should get into a Honda Fit and sit in the boot so he can see what we are talking about.)
Another motorist, @ShamwariPaRoad, alleged preferential treatment:
“Team dzenyu they give preference kutumushika shika…Kune mamwe akutozivikanwa kuti akungogara aripo vachishupa zvisina kana basa.”
(Your teams give preference to pirate taxis. Some roadblocks are now just known as permanent spots where people are harassed for nothing.)
Scepticism also came from @NcubeAscot who remarked:
“Hypocrisy at its best.”
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The post ZRP Speaks On Number Of Roadblocks, Says 30 To 50km Apart Following Public Outcry appeared first on iHarare News.
