HARARE, Jul 31 (NewsDay Live) - The Zimbabwe Union of Residents and Ratepayers Associations (ZURRA) has called for the urgent enactment of devolution laws to expedite the envisaged local government reforms that include establishment of municipal police courts.
According to Chapter 14 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, “governmental powers and responsibilities must be devolved to provincial and metropolitan councils and local authorities which are competent to carry out those responsibilities efficiently and effectively.”
ZURRA’s call follows Cabinet's recent approval of the Municipal Police and Courts Bill 2026 , which seeks to strengthen the enforcement of municipal by-laws through the creation of municipal police services and specialised courts.
In a statement on Wednesday, ZURRA spokesperson Marvellous Kumalo said the reforms should not be implemented in isolation.
"The enactment of a devolution act should, therefore, be prioritised to provide a clear legal framework for the powers, functions, accountability mechanisms, and intergovernmental relations of local authorities."
"Municipal police and municipal courts should be implemented as part of a coherent and comprehensive devolution agenda rather than as stand-alone reforms," he said.
ZURRA acknowledged concerns raised by residents over proposals to grant municipal police officers arresting powers, citing allegations of unprofessional conduct, corruption and human rights violations by some municipal officers.
Kumalo stressed that municipalities are obliged to uphold human rights and ensure that municipal police operate within the law.
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He further urged residents and ratepayers to actively participate in Parliament's public consultations on the Bill to ensure the final legislation strengthens local governance, protects human rights and reflects community interests. He also called for public awareness campaigns and clarity on offences, fines and the jurisdiction of municipal courts to avoid overlaps with existing magistrates' courts.
