Dennis Ndlovu I Zim GBC News
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo has pledged to improve service delivery and strengthen public trust following the relaunch of the 2026 Bulawayo Client Service Charter on Wednesday.
Speaking during the event, Officer Commanding ZRP Bulawayo, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo said the relaunch was aimed at reaffirming the police force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and public safety.
He said the charter outlines the standards the public should expect from police officers and provides a framework through which citizens can hold the police accountable.
“This occasion is about renewing trust, strengthening partnerships, and reminding ourselves of the sacred duty we carry as police officers,” said Chizemo.
“We are here for the people, also for the country, and for the law.”
The commissioner said the relaunch follows the national launch of the service charter by Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba on 30 January, which set out the police force’s commitment to meeting public service expectations.
“Today, here in the heart of Bulawayo CBD, the heartbeat of the City of Kings, the Zimbabwe Republic Police of Bulawayo Province reiterates that pledge and promise to serve the people of Bulawayo diligently through the relaunch of the Service Charter at the provincial level,” he said.
Chizemo added that the police were aware of the high expectations placed on them in a busy metropolitan environment.
“We declare our readiness to serve and renew our promise with you, the people of Bulawayo,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the charter is built around four key service areas; response to calls, crime handling, traffic management, and community assistance and public reassurance.
On response to public calls, Chizemo said police stations are expected to assist members of the public promptly.
“As outlined in our Service Charter, we pledge our firm commitment to ensure members of the public are attended to within one minute of arrival at any police establishment,” he said.
“We also promise that telephone calls will be answered courteously and professionally within three rings.”
He added that written correspondence from the public would be acknowledged within seven days and that police officers would respond quickly to crime scenes.
“We understand that time lost can mean justice delayed. We therefore commit to prompt action at all scenes without unnecessary delays,” he said.
On crime reporting, Chizemo said the police would receive complaints without prejudice.
“No report is too small to be recorded. No complaint will be turned away,” he said.
He added that investigations would be conducted professionally and within the confines of the law.
“Where evidence permits, cases will be placed before the courts without delay so that justice is served and confidence in the justice delivery system is maintained,” he said.
Addressing traffic policing, Chizemo said the police would enforce road traffic laws firmly but fairly, using modern technologies such as surveillance cameras and drones.
“Our focus is safety on our roads, not harassment,” he said.
“Corruption and misconduct in traffic policing does not have a place and will not be tolerated.”
Chizemo also called on officers to uphold discipline and professionalism while carrying out their duties.
“The badge we wear is not a license to comfort, but a call to duty,” he said.
“Laziness, corruption and incompetence cannot and will not define us.”
He added that policing could not succeed without cooperation from the public.
“A police service without the backing of the community is like a fish trying to exist without water,” he said.
Chizemo urged residents, businesses and civic leaders to actively participate in crime prevention initiatives and to report misconduct by police officers.
“I implore you, the people of Bulawayo, to feel free to bring forward your complaints and your dissatisfaction in our service,” he said.
“Your complaints matter. They are a tool for refining the quality of our service to you.”
He also encouraged communities to join neighbourhood watch programmes and other partnerships such as the Christian Community Police Network and the Business Against Crime Forum of Zimbabwe.
Chizemo said the relaunch marked a new commitment by the police to deliver better service.
“The era of excuses is over,” he said.
“Today, going forward, we pledge excellence over mediocrity.”
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