Zimbabwe Cabinet Approves Municipal Police Bill Granting Arrest Powers

The Zimbabwean Cabinet has passed the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, which gives municipal police the authority to arrest, investigate and prosecute citizens. The government says the measure will improve efficiency and relieve the Zimbabwe Republic Police of minor urban offences such as illegal vending and traffic violations.

Trade union leaders, including ZCTU secretary‑general Tirivanhu Marimo, have condemned the legislation, warning that it militarises local law‑enforcement, creates a shadow police force and criminalises poverty. They note that over 85% of Zimbabweans rely on the informal economy and that nearly half the population lives in extreme poverty, arguing that the bill will exacerbate human‑rights abuses, corruption and economic exclusion rather than address urban management challenges.