Zimbabwe Police: Unlawful Driver's Licence Withholding Prohibited

• Chief Superintendent Michael Mumanyi stated that police can inspect but not unlawfully withhold drivers' licences.
• This directive was issued during the 2026 Zimbabwe Republic Police Client Service Charter Reinvigoration at Madziwa Township.
• Section 72 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] requires motorists to provide particulars upon lawful police instruction.
• Officers were urged to avoid corruption, uphold professional standards, and exhibit appropriate customer care.
• Police committed to not withholding driver's licences without the owner's consent.

Chief Superintendent Michael Mumanyi emphasized that while police officers are authorized to inspect drivers' licences, they lack the authority to unlawfully confiscate or retain them.

Chief Superintendent Michael Mumanyi, who serves as the Harare District Traffic Office Commander, recently delivered a clear directive regarding police interactions with motorists. Speaking at the 2026 Zimbabwe Republic Police Client Service Charter Reinvigoration event held in Madziwa Township, Mumanyi emphasized that while police officers are authorized to inspect drivers' licences, they lack the authority to unlawfully confiscate or retain them. This explicit clarification aims to set clear boundaries for law enforcement personnel.

This statement underscores a critical distinction in police powers, ensuring that officers understand the limits of their authority during routine traffic stops. The event itself, focused on reinvigorating the ZRP's client service charter, provided a crucial platform for senior police leadership to communicate essential guidelines on professional conduct and adherence to legal protocols, directly addressing a common point of contention between the public and the police force.

The legal framework governing these interactions is primarily outlined in Section 72 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11]. This specific section mandates that motorists must comply with legitimate police instructions, including the requirement to provide their personal details when requested. This legal obligation ensures that law enforcement can effectively carry out their duties in maintaining road safety and order. However, Chief Superintendent Mumanyi's recent pronouncement serves to delineate the precise scope of these powers, explicitly stating that the right to inspect a licence does not extend to its unlawful withholding.

This clarification is crucial for both law enforcement and the public, establishing a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities during traffic encounters. It highlights that while drivers are legally obliged to cooperate with lawful requests for identification and particulars, police officers are simultaneously bound by strict limitations that prevent the arbitrary seizure or retention of their driving documents without proper legal justification or the owner's consent.

Beyond the specific issue of driver's licences, Chief Superintendent Mumanyi also issued a broader appeal to officers, urging them to actively resist corruption and consistently uphold high professional standards in their interactions with the public. He articulated a vision for police conduct characterized by transparency, accountability, and respect in all dealings, particularly with motorists, aiming to foster a more positive relationship between the police and the community they serve.

Further reinforcing this commitment, Mumanyi stated that officers are expected to demonstrate appropriate customer care practices, treating all citizens with courtesy and professionalism. He explicitly pledged that driver's licences would not be withheld without the express consent of the owner, reinforcing the Zimbabwe Republic Police's dedication to ethical service delivery and building public trust through adherence to both legal statutes and internal conduct guidelines.

This directive from a senior police official carries significant weight, providing a definitive interpretation of police powers concerning driver's licences in Zimbabwe. It serves as an important reminder to both law enforcement personnel and the motoring public about the precise limits of authority and the fundamental rights of individuals during traffic stops. Such clarity is vital for preventing abuses of power and ensuring fair treatment.

The emphasis on professional standards, anti-corruption measures, and respectful engagement aligns with the broader goals of the ZRP Client Service Charter, which seeks to improve public service. By explicitly addressing the unlawful withholding of licences, the police leadership aims to enhance public confidence and ensure that interactions between officers and citizens are consistently conducted within the strict confines of the law and established ethical guidelines, thereby promoting a more just and orderly society.

Lawyers advising motorists or transport companies in Zimbabwe should note this explicit police directive, which clarifies that officers may inspect but not unlawfully withhold driver's licences. This provides a clear legal basis for challenging such actions, citing Section 72 of the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] and the ZRP's own internal warnings against corruption and unprofessional conduct.

Source: Original reporting via unnamed source