Zimbabwe's government has banned "with immediate effect" police officers from using mobile phones while working.
The ban is contained in a memo, ordering police officers to abandon their private communication gadgets while on duty.
All officers are required to surrender their mobile phones to their supervisors once they get to their stations and only use them during their break time.
No reasons were cited for the ban in the memo but it is widely believed this could be part of efforts to curb police corruption.
It comes a few days after two traffic enforcement officers were arrested in the capital, Harare after a viral social media video exposed them taking bribes from public transport vehicles.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi described the two detained officers as "bad apples who do not deserve to be serving in the police service".
The new mobile policy seeks to reinforce what appears to have been a previous order addressed to all stations late last month.
It said "despite numerous instructions given forbidding use of cell phones whilst on duty by members of the police service, commanders are not enforcing this".
"No member is allowed to be in possession of a cell phone whilst on duty. Cell phones should only be used during break and lunch times," reads the circular.
Officers in charge of police stations have been ordered to enforce the ban, with threats issued against those who do not comply.
"Once a member is found with a cell phone whilst on duty, the officer in-charge of the said member will be put to task," the memo adds.
Police are perceived to be among the most corrupt institutions in Zimbabwe because of low salaries and poor working conditions.
Latest Stories
-
UNESCO Urges Africa to embrace Quantum Technology
1 minute -
What the Rocket Classic reveals about the state of the PGA Tour in 2025
22 minutes -
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah rallies corporate Ghana for Joy Sports Invitational 2025
33 minutes -
Cedi can rival dollar if Ghanaians restore trust, says BoG governor
49 minutes -
Swedru police burn 10 wee ghettos; 4 arrested
58 minutes -
ICU Ghana elects new youth leaders at 6th National Quadrennial Delegates’ Conference
1 hour -
Ghana to participate in maiden ANOCA School Games in Algeria
1 hour -
Ghana, Serbia to sign labour mobility agreement as bilateral ties deepen
1 hour -
Armwrestling: Glico insures Golden Arms, NHIA, NPA, others support for Africa Championship
1 hour -
The dollar is not a legal tender in Ghana, you can reject it as medium of payment – BoG Governor
2 hours -
Ghanaians will vote NDC out if Mahama fails ‘galamsey’ fight – Tony Aidoo
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: ‘We believed in ourselves’ – Chantelle on Black Queens’ big win over Tanzania
2 hours -
WAFCON 2024: ‘Proud to wear the Ghana badge’ at competition – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah
2 hours -
Respect Ghana laws and desist from divisive conduct – Okudzeto warns Igbo leader
2 hours -
Chief of Staff confirms participation in 2025 JoySports Invitational
2 hours