ZRP bans officers from posting in uniform on social media, warns of disciplinary action

Zimbabwe Republic Police officers in uniform during official duty

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police has ordered all officers to immediately delete social media posts in which they appear in uniform, warning that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

The directive was issued by Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube through an urgent nationwide radio communication sent to police stations on Monday, March 23. In the communication, referenced RDO BD14/26, Ncube said the growing trend of officers posting images and videos of themselves in uniform on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp is causing reputational damage to the police service.

“Displaying oneself in police uniform on social media platforms without authorisation is totally unacceptable and breaches the police’s standing rules and regulations,” Ncube said. “Such actions compromise the integrity of the organisation and undermine public trust.”

The order requires all officers who have already posted content while in uniform to remove it with immediate effect, while provincial commanders have been tasked with ensuring the directive is communicated across all ranks.

“As a matter of urgency, all those with posts on social media platforms whilst dressed in police uniform should immediately remove such posts,” Ncube said. “Disciplinary action shall be taken against those who fail to comply with this given directive.”

The move comes amid a noticeable rise in rank-and-file officers sharing content online, including selfies, dance videos, and commentary on public issues while in uniform, often without official clearance. Security analysts say the directive reflects increasing concern within law enforcement over professionalism and public perception in the digital age.

“Uniformed services carry symbolic authority, and how that image is used online matters,” said Harare-based security analyst Shepherd Moyo. “Unregulated social media activity can blur the line between personal expression and official representation.”

The ZRP has long maintained strict internal codes governing conduct, particularly regarding the use of official regalia and public communication. Ncube emphasised that adherence to these standards is critical in maintaining discipline within the force and preserving public confidence. The directive signals a tightening of internal controls as authorities seek to align police conduct with evolving challenges posed by social media use.

ZRP social media ban