Search Results

South Gauteng High Court blocks relocation of three children to Zimbabwe, ruling the move is not in their best interests following their father’s death ( image source ) The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has refused an urgent application to relocate three minor children to Zimbabwe following the suicide of their father, ruling that the move would not be in the children’s best interests at this stage. The case involved a Zimbabwean mother, identified as FM, and her former sister-in-law, LB, who has been caring for the children since their father’s death in November 2025. FM sought permission to relocate her children, aged 12, 9 and 5, to Zimbabwe before resuming her employment in Ireland. She argued that the move would provide temporary stability while she pursued legal avenues to reunite with them abroad. Judge Stuart Wilson found that FM did not intend to live with the children in Zimbabwe, but instead planned to leave them in the care of relatives while she returned overseas. He ruled that the children had no meaningful connection to Zimbabwe, having been born, raised and educated entirely in South Africa. The case arose from tragic circumstances. In November 2025, the children’s father, TC, died by suicide in an incident witnessed by the children. One child sustained burn injuries while attempting to help him. Following the incident, the children went to live with their aunt, LB. Judge Wilson was sharply critical of LB’s conduct, finding that she had deliberately prevented FM from seeing or speaking to her children and had encouraged them to blame their mother for their father’s death. He rejected claims that the children themselves had refused contact, describing LB’s stance as shaped by grief and anger. After personally interviewing the children, the judge found that they wished to live with their mother and had not been alienated from her despite the trauma they had endured. However, he ruled that relocating them to Zimbabwe would separate them from both parents and place them in an unfamiliar country without their mother’s presence. On balance, the court held that it was safer and more stable for the children to remain in South Africa under LB’s care for now. The relocation application was therefore refused. However, the court granted FM full unsupervised contact with her children and issued a strict order prohibiting LB from interfering with or undermining their relationship. LB was also barred from removing the children from their school or residence without court approval. The family advocate has been directed to investigate longer-term options, including the possibility of the children relocating to Ireland, Zimbabwe or another country to live with FM. The matter will remain under Judge Wilson’s supervision pending further court orders.

Botswana imposes an immediate ban on cloven-hoofed animal imports from Zimbabwe after suspected foot-and-mouth disease cases in Mangwe district ( image source ) Botswana has imposed an immediate ban on the importation of cloven-hoofed animals and related products from Zimbabwe following reports of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Mangwe district. Authorities have also ordered strict livestock movement controls in affected zones and urged border communities to strengthen surveillance and cordon measures. Botswana’s Acting Director of Veterinary Services, Kobedi Segale, said the prohibition follows suspected FMD cases in Mangwe, a district that borders Botswana’s Tutume, North-East and Bobirwa districts. Movement restrictions have been enforced in zones 3b, 3c (Maitengwe), 6b and 7, with livestock from these areas barred from export or slaughter for export, except for direct slaughter under strict veterinary controls. Farmers and traders operating along the Zimbabwe–Botswana frontier have been instructed to halt cross-border movement and trade of cattle, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals from the affected zones. Authorities warned that illegal movement of livestock, raw meat or unprocessed milk would attract enforcement action. Communities in border areas have been called upon to assist with disease control by maintaining cordon fences, kraaling animals at night, and ensuring livestock are properly branded and tagged to support traceability. Farmers have also been urged to immediately report clinical signs such as lameness, excessive salivation, and lesions on the mouth or hooves. ( image source ) Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals and poses a serious threat to livestock productivity, rural livelihoods and regional trade. While mortality rates are often low, outbreaks typically result in prolonged trade bans, movement restrictions and costly control measures, including vaccination campaigns and extended surveillance. Veterinary authorities have advised farmers to tighten kraaling practices, restrict communal grazing, reinforce border fences and avoid moving animals to markets or dip tanks until affected zones are declared clear. Officials stressed that early reporting, traceability and cooperation between farmers, communities and veterinary services are critical to containing the outbreak. The ban highlights the vulnerability of cross-border livestock trade to animal health shocks, with precautionary measures often remaining in place until surveillance confirms that outbreaks have been fully contained. Producers and traders have been advised to prepare for short-term market disruptions and to seek guidance from veterinary authorities on movement permits, vaccination policy and possible compensation mechanisms.

Many Zimbabwean businesses collapse not from weakness but from rapid growth that exposes weak systems, poor cash control and founder dependency at scale ( image source ) There is a familiar kind of business collapse that leaves markets puzzled. The shop was busy. Orders were flowing. Staff numbers had grown. The brand was visible. Then, almost overnight, the doors closed. Salaries went unpaid. Suppliers complained. Customers moved on. The question is always the same: How did this happen when the business seemed to be doing so well? The uncomfortable truth is that many Zimbabwean businesses do not fail because they were weak. They fail because growth exposes weaknesses that survival mode had long concealed. In Zimbabwe’s business environment, survival is celebrated. Hustle is praised. Being busy is often mistaken for being healthy. Yet growth is not a reward for endurance; it is a stress test. And not every business is built to survive its own expansion. The Illusion of the Peak What is often described as a business “peak” is usually the point at which demand has outpaced structure. Customers increase, but systems remain informal. Revenue grows, but controls do not. Staff numbers rise, but leadership capacity stays the same. The founder becomes more central to daily operations, not less. From the outside, the business looks vibrant. Inside, it is stretched thin. In recent years, several Zimbabwean retail, logistics, and service businesses that expanded rapidly between 2021 and 2023 followed this pattern. New branches opened, social media visibility increased, and turnover appeared impressive. Yet beneath the surface, cash controls were weak, decision-making was centralised, and systems had not evolved beyond start-up logic. Warning signs were ignored because the numbers looked good. Chaos was normalised as “pressure.” Exhaustion was rebranded as commitment. In such conditions, busyness became dangerously misleading. Growth Is Pressure, Not Comfort Every phase of growth introduces new risks. More clients bring complexity. More transactions increase exposure. More staff demand stronger leadership, communication, and accountability. Growth requires better systems, not simply harder work. Many businesses collapse at their apparent peak because they attempt to manage increased complexity using the same informal practices that helped them survive at a smaller scale. What worked when the owner handled everything no longer works when decisions multiply daily. Growth does not forgive gaps; it magnifies them. The Fault Lines Behind Sudden Collapse Several weaknesses commonly surface as businesses expand. Founder-dependent operations remain one of the most prevalent. When decision-making, key relationships, and institutional memory sit with one individual, fatigue, illness, or distraction can stall the entire enterprise. Cash-flow pressure is another silent threat. Sales may increase, but liquidity tightens as growth absorbs money through inventory, credit, logistics, and payroll. Without disciplined cash management, even profitable businesses can become insolvent quickly. Informal systems operating at formal scale also create vulnerability. Verbal agreements, undocumented processes, and unclear roles invite disputes, errors, and costly misunderstandings. Weak middle management leaves founders trapped between strategy and daily operations, unable to see risks forming until they become critical. In many cases, there is also a growing gap between reputation and reality: the brand appears solid, but internal controls and governance remain fragile. Why Collapse Appears Sudden To outsiders, failure looks abrupt. To insiders, it is usually the end of a prolonged period of strain. Problems are postponed because there is always something urgent to fix. Reflection is delayed because the business feels too busy to slow down. Decisions become reactive rather than strategic. When the break finally comes—through a cash-flow crisis, regulatory issue, staff exodus, or reputational shock—it feels sudden only because earlier warning signs were ignored. What Sustainable Businesses Do Differently Businesses that survive growth act deliberately. They build systems early. They separate ownership from operations. They track cash flow with discipline, not optimism. They invest in people who can make decisions independently of the founder. Most importantly, they treat growth with caution rather than celebration. They strengthen foundations before expanding further. In a market that glorifies hustle and visibility, the most sustainable businesses are often quieter. They grow deliberately. They appear less impressive in the short term—but they endure. For many Zimbabwean enterprises, the real danger is not stagnation. It is growing before the business is ready to carry the weight of its own success. Simbarashe Namusi is a peace, leadership and governance scholar as well as media expert writing in his personal capacity

A Bulawayo domestic worker has been sentenced to partially suspended jail time and 280 hours of community service after pleading guilty to using his employer’s Mercedes-Benz without permission ( image source ) A 22-year-old domestic worker from Hillside, Bulawayo, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, partially suspended, after pleading guilty to using his employer’s Mercedes-Benz without consent. The court also ordered him to complete 280 hours of community service. Emmanuel Hadebe, employed as a gardener by Khanondo Safaris and Tours (Pvt) Ltd managing director Vimbai Chivandire, admitted taking the S350 from the employer’s garage on January 14 and driving towards the city centre without permission. Police arrested him after officers observed reckless driving. Prosecutor Methuli Ncube told the court that the accused claimed he intended only to refuel the vehicle. Under Section 57(1)(b) of the Road Traffic Act, Hadebe’s guilty plea attracted a custodial sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment, with four months suspended for five years on condition of no repeat offending. The remaining eight months were suspended on condition that he completes 280 hours of community service at Ekusileni Primary School. The sentence balances punishment with rehabilitation, reflecting the court’s view of the seriousness of the offence and the potential for restorative sanctions. In mitigation, Hadebe’s explanation that he sought to refuel the car did not persuade the court to avoid a custodial term, although the suspension and community service indicate judicial willingness to temper imprisonment with community-based penalties where appropriate. Legal observers note that courts often weigh the owner’s loss, public safety risks from reckless driving and the offender’s remorse when determining sentences for vehicle-related offences. For employers and households, the case serves as a reminder to secure keys and vehicles and to ensure clear employment agreements that set boundaries on vehicle use. For domestic workers, it underscores the serious legal consequences of unauthorised use of employer property and the importance of seeking permission before handling vehicles.

Rangers are monitoring Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise ahead of the January transfer window as interest grows in the Zimbabwe international following his standout Scottish Premiership season ( image source ) Rangers are reported to have opened preliminary talks for Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise, a 23-year-old Zimbabwe international whose breakout season has made him one of Scotland’s most sought-after young attackers. The potential move is viewed as a calculated January gamble aimed at strengthening wide options ahead of a title push and demanding European fixtures. Maswanhise’s rapid rise from promising signing to consistent match-winner has firmly placed him on the radar of bigger clubs. The Harare-born winger joined Motherwell in August 2024 and has since delivered an impressive campaign, combining pace, directness and a growing goal threat. His performances have marked him out as one of the Scottish Premiership’s standout attackers this season. Highly versatile, Maswanhise is comfortable operating on either flank or as a supporting striker, qualities that align well with the modern, high-pressing and fluid tactical systems favoured by elite clubs. Rangers’ reported interest, described as preliminary enquiries and agent-level approaches, reflects a broader trend of Scotland’s top sides strengthening mid-season using domestic talent to maintain squad balance. Sources suggest Ibrox is keen to add width and depth ahead of a congested fixture schedule, with the club’s tactical approach placing heavy emphasis on intensity and productivity from wide areas. Reports also indicate that Celtic and several English Championship clubs are monitoring Maswanhise, raising the likelihood of strong competition should a formal bid materialise. For Motherwell, the situation presents a familiar dilemma. Selling in January could undermine ambitions of a top-four finish and European qualification, while retaining the player without extending his contract risks reduced leverage in the summer window. Club messaging has consistently stressed stability and reluctance to weaken the squad during a crucial phase of the season, with any potential sale expected to command a premium fee. From the player’s perspective, a move to Rangers would offer Champions League exposure, improved financial terms and a higher-profile platform, but also increased scrutiny and competition for places. Observers suggest Maswanhise’s development may benefit from a measured step up rather than an immediate leap beyond Scotland. Key factors in any deal are likely to include transfer valuation, contract structure, assurances on playing time and Motherwell’s willingness to negotiate. Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has publicly maintained that the club has no intention of selling key players mid-season, despite growing external interest. Rangers sources, meanwhile, continue to characterise the approach as exploratory rather than a formal bid, leaving the situation finely balanced as the January window approaches.

Sybeth Musengezi has quit Zanu-PF and notified ZEC of a new political party, SI-G, as he transitions from legal activism to electoral politics ahead of the 2028 elections ( image source ) Sybeth Musengezi, the Zanu-PF activist who rose to national attention after legally challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 2017 ascension to the party’s top post, has formally left the ruling party and notified the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of a new political formation, Suthisa Ilizwe–Gutsaruzhinji (SI-G). In a letter dated 16 January 2026 and addressed to ZEC chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, Musengezi signed off as “President and Patriot in Command” and requested guidance on procedural steps required under the Electoral Act. He asked to be added to ZEC’s database of political parties so SI-G can receive official communications and invitations to participate in future elections, and offered to submit the party constitution and leadership details as required. Musengezi’s public profile was shaped by his court challenge to President Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, a case that drew national attention for its constitutional and intra-party implications. The new party’s name, blending isiNdebele and Shona phrases roughly translating to “Fix the country – For the masses,” signals an appeal to broad national concerns and a populist framing aimed at voters disillusioned with established political structures. In his notification to ZEC, Musengezi emphasised centralised control of party structures, stating that only organs authorised by the national leadership would be recognised. This suggests SI-G will adopt a tightly managed organisational model rather than a loose coalition of local affiliates, a choice likely to influence recruitment, candidate selection and internal discipline as the party seeks to expand. ( image source ) Political analysts say the launch of SI-G adds another actor to an already fragmented political landscape ahead of the next harmonised elections expected in 2028. New parties face significant hurdles, including building nationwide structures, meeting ZEC registration requirements, and securing funding and media access. Observers note that SI-G’s prospects will depend on its ability to translate Musengezi’s legal notoriety into grassroots organisation and credible policy platforms. For Zanu-PF, Musengezi’s departure may represent one of several internal fissures as the party navigates succession dynamics and increased public scrutiny. For Musengezi, the shift from litigant to party founder marks a transition from courtroom challenge to electoral politics, testing his capacity to convert legal arguments into political capital. ZEC has yet to issue a public response to the notification. As SI-G seeks formal recognition and begins preparing for the long road to 2028, its next steps—including registration, constitution filing and public mobilisation—will determine whether it becomes a lasting political force or another short-lived entrant in Zimbabwe’s crowded party field.

Zimbabwe Red Cross ( image source ) The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) has stepped up its emergency preparedness as heavy rains continue to batter most provinces, raising fears of widespread flooding. The humanitarian organisation confirmed that national response teams have been activated and flood mitigation materials pre-positioned across the country to ensure swift intervention should disaster strike. ZRCS secretary-general Elias Hwenga ( image source ) ZRCS secretary-general Elias Hwenga said the organisation was working in close coordination with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) and the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) to monitor the evolving weather situation. “We have activated our response teams and materials are pre-positioned across the country to ensure that we can respond swiftly and effectively to flood-related emergencies,” Hwenga explained. The MSD has forecast continued heavy rainfall across all provinces, warning of flash floods, riverine flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable communities. Civil Protection authorities have echoed these concerns, noting that saturated soils and rising river levels could trigger localised flooding in the coming days. According to official DCP data, the rainy season has already claimed 74 lives since October 2025, with infrastructure damage surpassing US$107,000. Most fatalities have been attributed to drowning incidents, as pedestrians and motorists attempted to cross flooded rivers. Manicaland province has recorded the highest number of deaths at 32, followed by Mashonaland West with 19 and Midlands with 13. Hwenga emphasised that vulnerable communities, particularly those living near rivers, dams and low-lying areas, face heightened risks. “The heavy rains we are seeing across the country present a real threat of flooding and we urge communities in high-risk areas to remain alert, avoid crossing flooded rivers, and follow guidance from local authorities,” he said.  ZRCS has pledged to provide humanitarian assistance where needed, including early warning messages, first aid, temporary shelter and relief supplies. The organisation also highlighted the importance of community awareness campaigns to minimise loss of life and property. International humanitarian networks have noted Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies categorising the current floods as a “yellow disaster” requiring heightened monitoring. As the rainy season progresses, ZRCS said it will continue to issue updates and coordinate with government agencies to mitigate the impact of floods. The organisation urged citizens to remain vigilant and prioritise safety over mobility during severe weather events.

The Government has handed over 8 000 Starlink satellite connectivity kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education ( image source ) The Government has handed over 8 000 Starlink satellite connectivity kits to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in a high-profile push to expand internet access in schools and accelerate Zimbabwe’s digital transformation agenda. The handover, held in Harare, was presented as a strategic intervention to address chronic connectivity gaps that have left many rural and marginalised schools offline. Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Tatenda Mavetera described the initiative as a “critical milestone” for the national Vision 2030 agenda, saying satellite-based connectivity will help dismantle geographic barriers to learning. She said the kits will enable access to online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, digital libraries and teacher training resources in real time, regardless of a school’s proximity to fibre or mobile network infrastructure. Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo ( image source ) The kits were formally handed to Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo under a joint ministry arrangement intended to fast-track deployment and oversight. Government officials framed the move as part of a broader national programme to produce digitally skilled citizens capable of competing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Ministers emphasised inter-ministerial cooperation to ensure the equipment is integrated into teaching and learning plans. Officials acknowledged that hardware alone will not guarantee improved outcomes. Minister Mavetera stressed the need for accountability and measurable impact, calling for monitoring frameworks to evaluate whether connectivity translates into higher pass rates, improved digital literacy and better teaching effectiveness. She said deployment plans will include training for teachers, maintenance arrangements and metrics to assess value for money. Education stakeholders welcomed the potential to bridge the urban-rural digital divide but urged clarity on long-term costs, power supply solutions and local technical support. Satellite kits can deliver connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent, but schools will require reliable electricity, device access for learners and ongoing technical maintenance to sustain benefits. The rollout aligns with global trends where satellite internet is increasingly used to reach underserved communities, but success will hinge on complementary investments in devices, teacher capacity and curriculum integration. Government officials said phased deployment will prioritise the most remote and underserved districts, with monitoring mechanisms to report on learning outcomes and system uptime. As Zimbabwe prepares to scale digital education, the Starlink kit handover marks a visible step toward inclusive connectivity. The coming months will test whether the initiative can move beyond equipment distribution to deliver measurable improvements in classroom learning and long-term digital inclusion.

ZRP Women Network Drives Rise of Female Leadership in Police ( image source ) GWERU — Deliberate efforts to capacitate women within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are yielding measurable results, with a growing number of female officers now occupying senior leadership roles that were once rare in the force. The progress was highlighted during the ZRP Women Network Junior Officers Capacity Building Workshop held in Gweru, where the network’s national chairperson, Commissioner Grace Ndou, outlined recent gains and ongoing priorities. Since the ZRP Women Network was established in 2009, Commissioner Ndou said the organisation has focused on equipping women with leadership skills, confidence and the professional mindset required to perform at the same level as their male counterparts. “To date, we can confidently say that almost 30 percent of officers-in-charge within the organisation are women,” she said, noting that women now serve as station commanders, district commanders and even at the rank of commissioner. The workshop, run in partnership with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), targeted officers-in-charge from across the country and covered managerial and leadership topics designed to strengthen decision-making, accountability and service delivery. Commissioner Ndou said the programme also served as a reminder of the duties and responsibilities that come with command, emphasising ethical leadership and community-oriented policing. ( video source ) A key pillar of the network’s work has been addressing barriers that historically discouraged women from seeking leadership roles. Commissioner Ndou pointed to limited access to leadership training and workplace challenges such as sexual harassment. She highlighted the ZRP’s early adoption of a sexual harassment policy in 2010 as a critical step that has helped create a safer environment for women to pursue advancement. “Sexual harassment often discourages women from aspiring to leadership positions, but having a clear policy allows the organisation to address such issues effectively when they arise,” she said. The ZRP Women Network has also facilitated external secondments and international assignments for female officers, including United Nations deployments, which Commissioner Ndou said broaden professional exposure and build institutional capacity. She acknowledged that while progress has been significant, more work remains to ensure equal representation at all levels. In a message read on his behalf, Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba represented at the workshop by Deputy Commissioner-General Human Resources Mind Elliot Ngirandi praised the partnership with NUST and framed the initiative as part of a broader strategy to capacitate all members of the force. “Gender mainstreaming in capacity development ensures inclusivity and equity in organisational growth,” the statement said, urging continued participation in training programmes to sustain gains. Participants described the workshop as timely and practical, with many officers reporting renewed confidence in leadership roles. Observers say the ZRP’s approach combining policy reform, targeted training and institutional support offers a replicable model for other uniformed services seeking to accelerate gender parity in command positions.

A Chikwere Secondary School headmaster was robbed of Zimsec Ordinary Level results slips in Dangamvura, Mutare, raising concerns over the safety of critical examination documents ( image source ) A headmaster at Chikwere Secondary School in Odzi, Tizai Gwazhi (49), lost Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) Ordinary Level results slips after being attacked in Dangamvura on Monday evening. Gwazhi had reportedly collected the results from Zimsec offices in Mutare earlier in the day before stopping at a bar in the high-density suburb for drinks. According to police sources, he was ambushed by two assailants while walking to a friend’s home after leaving the bar. The attackers allegedly robbed him of the results slips and his cellphone. The incident has raised concern among parents and school authorities due to the critical importance of the examination results to candidates awaiting them. Without the slips, learners’ ability to proceed with applications for further education or employment could be disrupted. Police have since launched investigations and appealed to members of the public with information that may assist in recovering the stolen documents or apprehending the suspects to report to the nearest police station. The robbery has also highlighted ongoing security challenges surrounding the handling of examination materials, prompting calls for tighter protocols to safeguard sensitive educational documents.

Former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari has graduated with a Professional Football Coaching Diploma from Leeds Beckett University, marking a key step in his transition from player to coach ( image source ) Former Zimbabwe Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari has marked a significant milestone in his post-playing career after graduating with a Diploma in Professional Football Coaching. The former Manchester City and Portsmouth forward, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most successful football exports, described the achievement as both humbling and inspiring. Speaking after his graduation, Mwaruwari expressed gratitude to his family, mentors and colleagues for their unwavering support during what he termed a demanding academic journey. “This achievement is not mine alone. I thank my family for their endless sacrifices, patience and belief in me. To everyone who offered support, encouragement and prayers, your belief gave me the strength to keep going,” he said. ( image source ) The qualification, obtained from Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom, equips Mwaruwari with advanced coaching skills and marks his transition into football management. He emphasised that the diploma is a foundation rather than a final destination, pledging to pursue further coaching upgrades. “My goal is to give back to football, a sport that has shaped my life and career,” he added. Mwaruwari joins a growing list of former players who have embraced coaching, a trend seen as vital for strengthening football development in Zimbabwe and across Africa. His move comes at a time when local clubs are increasingly turning to ex-professionals to rebuild technical departments and inspire younger generations. Reports suggest that Highlanders Football Club, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest and most successful teams, is considering appointing Mwaruwari as head coach as part of a restructuring exercise. The development follows negotiations involving club benefactor Wicknell Chivayo, who has pledged significant financial support to the Bulawayo giants. ( image source ) For Mwaruwari, the coaching diploma represents the beginning of a new chapter. “The journey has only just begun,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to growth and excellence in football coaching. His progression from celebrated striker to qualified coach underscores the importance of education and mentorship in sustaining Zimbabwe’s football legacy.

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.