Legislators commend ZRP forensic services in fight against crime 

Source: Legislators commend ZRP forensic services in fight against crime – herald

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter

Legislators have commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the critical role played by its forensic services in combating crime, saying modern policing increasingly relies on scientific evidence to strengthen investigations, secure convictions, and uphold the rule of law.

The remarks were made at a familiarisation tour by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, Home Affairs, Security Services and War Veterans Affairs at the ZRP Forensic Science Laboratory in Harare yesterday.

The committee, led by acting chairperson Cde George Mashavave, toured key sections of the facility, including the CID DNA Laboratory, Criminalistics, Ballistics, Chemistry Laboratory, Questioned Document Examination Unit and the Cybercrime Laboratory at CID Headquarters, before proceeding to Mkushi Academy (formerly Morris Depot).

Cde Mashavave said the visit was not investigative in nature but aimed at improving Parliament’s understanding of operations within the forensic department and the challenges affecting service delivery.

“As a comment, our visit today is in line with Section 119, Subsection 3 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which states that all institutions and agencies of the state and the government at every level are accountable to parliament. This section places the constitutional responsibilities of parliament to exercise oversight over government ministries and departments.

“In this case, our portfolio committee directs oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and the institutions under its purview, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police. It is, therefore, our duty to engage with you to see firsthand the reality on the ground and to ensure that the policies and resources allocated by parliament are aligned with the needs of the department and the citizens themselves,” he said.

Forensic services are central to modern policing, adding that they play a key role in ensuring justice and strengthening the credibility of investigations.

Cde Mashavave said the work carried out in the forensic laboratories is highly technical, resource-intensive and constantly evolving with advances in technology.

“Our visit today is meant to help us appreciate both your achievement and the constraints you encounter so that we can carry this insight back to parliament and inform our oversight and legislative functions,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner-General (Crime and Operations) Learn Ncube said the engagement reflected the importance the Legislature places on policing and public safety.

“Thank you for being with us today, with the Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee. This visit comes at a pivotal moment as we continue to advance our capabilities in evidence-led policing. Forensic science is no longer just an aid to investigation.

“It is the backbone of a modern justice system. This facility serves us as a critical arsenal for crime fighting, ensuring that justice is swift, accurate, and scientifically sound.

“The rationale behind the establishment of a dedicated forensic science laboratory was to enhance investigative capabilities, improve justice delivery, strengthen public confidence, align with international standards, as well as addressing emerging threats.

“Honourable Chair, we have a number of challenges in terms of the requirements. We are going to be sharing these challenges as we walk around and observe what we have managed to put in place,” he said.

The ZRP Forensic Science Laboratory is a specialised technical unit that supports police investigations through scientific analysis of exhibits and production of expert evidence from crime scenes.

The unit comprises several specialised sections, including the Biology Section, which analyses biological evidence such as blood, semen, saliva and sweat in cases including murder, rape and stock theft.

The Criminalistics Section examines trace evidence such as fibres, hair, glass, paint, gunshot residue and tool marks.

The Chemistry Section handles toxicology, poisons, explosives, arson accelerants, drugs and blood alcohol analysis, while the Document Examination Section analyses handwriting, signatures, alterations and printed documents using advanced forensic techniques.

The Cybercrime Unit investigates offences involving information and communication technologies, while the Ballistics Section examines firearms, bullets, cartridge cases and explosives linked to crime scenes and supports investigations across security agencies.