Police Arrest Over 2,000 in Nationwide Crime Crackdown

By Southerton Business Times Reporter

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has arrested more than 2,000 suspects since launching a nationwide operation targeting serious crime and traffic offences aimed at improving public safety, enforcing road traffic laws and maintaining law and order. ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the operation commenced on 13 July 2026 and is being conducted across all provinces to curb criminal activities while promoting safer roads.

According to Commissioner Nyathi, the operation targets a wide range of offences, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, unlawful entry, theft, stock theft, rape, kidnapping, smuggling, assault, and drug and substance abuse.

Police are also intensifying enforcement against traffic violations, particularly pirate taxis (mushikashika), unregistered or number plate-less vehicles, drink-driving, unlicensed driving, dangerous overtaking, failure to obey traffic signals, and other forms of reckless driving that continue to contribute to road accidents.

"To complement the operation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search blitzes, compliance inspections and public awareness campaigns across the country," Commissioner Nyathi said.

"The public is therefore encouraged to observe the law, be responsible citizens and support police efforts in the fight against crime."

Commissioner Nyathi revealed that 1,809 suspects were arrested on 14 July 2026 alone, highlighting the scale of the nationwide operation. The arrests included:

• 63 suspects for unlawful possession of dangerous drugs;

• 26 for theft;

• Seven for unlawful entry and theft;

• Three for robbery;

• One murder suspect;

• One stock theft suspect; and

• Numerous others arrested for various criminal and traffic-related offences.

The latest figures bring the total number of arrests to 2,069 since the operation began.

The nationwide blitz comes as police continue to express concern over increasing road traffic violations and fatal accidents involving public transport operators and private motorists. Authorities say illegal transport operators, commonly known as mushikashika, unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving remain among the major contributors to road safety challenges across Zimbabwe.

Police have stepped up roadblocks, vehicle inspections and stop-and-search operations on major highways, urban roads and identified crime hotspots as part of efforts to improve compliance with traffic regulations.

Commissioner Nyathi appealed to members of the public to support the operation by reporting criminal activities and traffic violations. Reports can be made at any nearest police station or through the ZRP National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197. Police said the operation will continue as part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime, protect lives and property, and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.

Zimbabwe police nationwide operation