**With the enforcement of a mobile phone ban, Zimbabwean authorities seek to crack down on corruption and misconduct in the police force.**
**Zimbabwe Enforces Strict Ban on Police Mobile Phone Use Amid Corruption Concerns**
**Zimbabwe Enforces Strict Ban on Police Mobile Phone Use Amid Corruption Concerns**
**The government's immediate prohibition aims to limit communication distractions during duty hours.**
Zimbabwe's government has enacted a sweeping measure prohibiting police officers from using personal mobile phones while on duty, directing them to rely solely on official walkie-talkies. As outlined in a recent memo, police personnel are mandated to surrender their personal devices to supervisors upon arriving at their stations, with usage permitted strictly during designated breaks.
Although the memo does not provide explicit reasons for this directive, it is widely interpreted as a strategy to combat police corruption, particularly following the arrest of two traffic enforcement officers in Harare, who were implicated in bribery after a video surfaced on social media.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi denounced the detained officers, labeling them as "bad apples" unfit for service. This latest policy is seen as a reinforcement of an earlier directive issued to police stations, emphasizing that the prohibition of cell phone use during duty has not been properly enforced by station commanders.
In the memo, it is clearly stated, "No member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty. Cell phones should only be used during break and lunch times." Supervisors of police stations are tasked with ensuring adherence to this policy, with stringent consequences for non-compliance.
Corruption remains a significant issue within Zimbabwe's police force, attributed to factors such as inadequate salaries and challenging working conditions.
Although the memo does not provide explicit reasons for this directive, it is widely interpreted as a strategy to combat police corruption, particularly following the arrest of two traffic enforcement officers in Harare, who were implicated in bribery after a video surfaced on social media.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi denounced the detained officers, labeling them as "bad apples" unfit for service. This latest policy is seen as a reinforcement of an earlier directive issued to police stations, emphasizing that the prohibition of cell phone use during duty has not been properly enforced by station commanders.
In the memo, it is clearly stated, "No member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty. Cell phones should only be used during break and lunch times." Supervisors of police stations are tasked with ensuring adherence to this policy, with stringent consequences for non-compliance.
Corruption remains a significant issue within Zimbabwe's police force, attributed to factors such as inadequate salaries and challenging working conditions.
