ZRP and the media deepen working relationship

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In pursuit of strengthening working relationships between the media and the police, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) on 13 March 2025 made a courtesy call to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commissioner General, Stephen Mutamba. The visit sought to acquaint ZUJ with the new police leadership in the wake of the recent appointment of Commissioner General Mutamba as the new ZRP boss, as well as review police and journalists’ relations in general.

ZUJ Secretary General, Perfect Hlongwane, led the visit, which also included representatives of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) – Zimbabwe Chapter, and Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), an alliance of media support organisations in the country.

The meeting deliberated on various journalistic and ZRP policing issues. These included:

The 2017 ZRP/Media Action Plan, which – according to testimonies in the meeting – greatly ushered greater cooperation and better working relations between journalists and the police in the country, greatly reducing incidents of police violations against journalists conducting their day-to-day duties, especially during election periods. Latest Election Observer Mission Reports were also cited as attesting to these amicable relations and peaceful conditions that generally prevailed in the last edition of national elections in the country;

Enhancing the ZRP/media relations, particularly through continued interfaces with journalists and police details on the ground. This includes involving fresh media graduates/cub reporters and police cadets whenever they are brought into the system as a way of perpetuating a culture of collaboration and tolerance between the two parties. This will help bring sustainability to the ZRP/media relations;

Occasionally engage in collaborative activities such as joint marches against social ills like drug abuse as a way of instilling public confidence and uniting public sentiment against social and moral vices;

Strive to lessen crimes of impunity against journalists, including minimising cyber bullying of mostly female journalists doing their job, to enhance the safety and security of journalists;
Jealously guard ethical and professional journalism so as to protect the profession from “serious invasion” by unprofessional social media players – who usually post unverified information – so as not to let it be unfairly sullied in the court of public opinion

A good relationship ensures that the public receives accurate and timely information about crime and policing. The media can hold the police accountable for their actions, thereby promoting transparency and trust.

By working together, the media and police can raise awareness about public safety issues and prevent crime. A good relationship enables the police to communicate effectively with the public, which can help to prevent misunderstandings and build trust. The police can provide the media with accurate information, which can help to counter misinformation and speculation.

The media can assist the police in investigations by publicizing appeals for information and helping to identify suspects. A good relationship provides the media with access to accurate and timely information, which can help to inform the public.