Online Reporter
CABINET has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, a proposed law that will empower local authorities to establish dedicated municipal police services and courts to strengthen community safety, improve by-law enforcement and enhance access to justice.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda announced the decision while presenting highlights of the Twenty-Fifth Post-Cabinet Briefing in Harare on Tuesday, saying the Bill was presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi.
Dr Soda said the legislation is intended to strengthen local governance by providing municipalities with professional law enforcement structures capable of dealing more effectively with offences falling under their jurisdiction.
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management and local crime prevention,” he said.
He noted that local authorities are already empowered under the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act to formulate and enforce regulations within their areas of jurisdiction, but require stronger institutional arrangements to improve service delivery and the administration of justice.
“In order to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and access to justice, local authorities require coordinated structures and strengthened municipal enforcement of by-laws to address issues of non-compliance, including apprehension of offenders of by-laws, investigation and prosecution of such offences,” Dr Soda said.
The proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of municipal courts, setting out their jurisdiction over municipal by-laws, minor offences and traffic violations, while providing for the appointment of municipal magistrates and other matters prescribed by law.
Dr Soda said the reforms are expected to reinforce constitutional devolution by strengthening local governance institutions and improving public safety.
“Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes,” he said.
Once enacted, the Bill is expected to equip municipalities with stronger legal and institutional frameworks to improve regulatory enforcement, traffic management and community safety while supporting more efficient and accountable local government service delivery.
