ZRP Acquires Boats, Motorcycles and Vehicles to Boost Operations

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has acquired boats, motorcycles and vehicles to enhance patrols, rescue operations and crime-fighting capacity as part of its ongoing modernisation drive (image source)

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has acquired several high-powered boats to strengthen operations along the country’s major waterways, including rescue missions, water escorts and patrols. The development forms part of broader efforts to modernise police equipment and enhance operational efficiency.

In a statement released on January 19, 2026, the ZRP said Commissioner-General of Police Stephen Mutamba had released the boats for deployment across police provinces and stations. “The Commissioner-General of Police, Stephen Mutamba, has released several boats for police operations, which include rescue activities, water escorts and patrols along the country’s major waterways,” the statement said.

The boats are expected to bolster law enforcement presence on lakes, rivers and dams, improving response times during emergencies and strengthening patrol capacity in water-based environments.

(image source)

In addition to the marine assets, Commissioner-General Mutamba also commissioned new police motorcycles and vehicles. The motorcycles will be used for scene attendance and patrols in areas with rugged terrain, including farming communities, rural areas and central business districts. “In the same vein, the Commissioner-General of Police commissioned Police Bikes for scene attendance and patrols in areas with rugged terrain,” the statement added.

The ZRP has also expanded its Police Canine (Dog Section) unit through the commissioning of new vehicles. These will support crime investigations, suspect tracking, public order management, drug detection and crowd control searches.

The acquisitions are part of a wider modernisation drive aimed at improving mobility, surveillance and specialised policing. Security analysts say the new boats, motorcycles and canine unit vehicles will enhance police effectiveness in remote and high-risk areas, improve emergency response capabilities and strengthen public confidence in policing across the country.