The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is set to revolutionize its operations with the development of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), a cutting-edge initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of criminal investigations and public safety.
This digital transformation is being undertaken in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Centre for High-Performance Computing (ZCHPC).
Speaking on the initiative, Professor Fanuel Tagwira highlighted how the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s technological growth. “This progress highlights Zimbabwe’s growing capacity to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet global standards. This innovation reflects the power of collaboration in leveraging technology to enhance national security and public service delivery,” he said.
Police Commissioner-General Steven Mutamba commended the project for its potential to modernize criminal investigations. “We have been doing this manually, and it takes time. In this day and age, we cannot afford delays in tracking criminals. This system, used in well-developed countries, will enable us to identify individuals more accurately and resolve cases quickly,” he noted.
The AFIS will allow police to digitally capture and analyze fingerprints from crime scenes, expediting the identification of suspects and improving the accuracy of investigations. Commissioner-General Mutamba emphasized the importance of such technology, particularly in cases involving evidence like fingerprints left at crime scenes.
Meanwhile, the ZRP has affirmed that police roadblocks will remain a critical part of their operations. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi clarified their purpose, stating, “Roadblocks are there for smuggled goods, moving criminals, traffic management, and operations targeting illegal activities such as mushikashika and lawlessness on the roads. They are part of our Constitutional mandate.”
Comm Nyathi urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers at roadblocks. “There is no need to be confrontational. If you have committed an offence, allow the due process of the law to take its course,” he advised.
With the AFIS project nearing completion and ongoing operations to ensure road safety, the ZRP is embracing innovation to meet modern policing challenges and strengthen national security.
