[5] Following independence in 1980, the force had a strength of about 9,000 regular personnel and a further 25,000 police reservists (nearly half of whom were white Zimbabweans of European ancestry).

[2] He is deputised by four Deputy Commissioners-General who form part of the Central Planning Committee (CPC) a decision passing body in the ZRP.

Cattle are a symbol of wealth; they provide draught power as well as generate the much needed foreign currency through beef exports.

The unit is headed by a National Co-coordinator of Anti-Stock Theft based at Police General Headquarters.

The professional handling and reduction of fraud cases builds public and investor confidence thereby enhancing economic growth.

The unit is staffed by highly qualified forensic scientists, and has the following sub-sections: The Section analyses a wide range of biological evidence for example samples of blood, semen, saliva, sweat derived from cases of murder, rape, stock-theft, etc.

The Criminalistics area brings together a pool of scientists dealing with microscopy, tool marks, paints, glass, fibres and hairs analyses etc.

The Cycle Patrol Unit was introduced in the ZRP in August 2003 and is the brainchild of the Commissioner-General of Police, Comrade Doctor Augustine Chihuri.

The main thrust behind the establishment of such a Unit was to reduce criminal activities in the cities and towns, streets, roads and avenues.

These association give expert advise in terms of training, dress order and acquisition of appropriate cycles.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police Mounted Unit plays a critical role by conducting crime prevention patrols especially in remote and rough terrains where motor vehicles cannot maneouver their way.

Horses provide that added advantage of height and visibility to allow police riders to observe a wider area and this helps to deter crime.

It is commanded by an Officer of the rank of Commissioner, who is responsible for the day-to-day administrative and the operational efficiency of the Unit.

The Unit was first launched at Victoria Falls as a pilot project but it has since cascaded to other tourist resort centres like the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Chinhoyi Caves and Kariba Dam.

The National Traffic Branch is committed to providing a road policing service which embraces enforcement and education aimed at enhancing public safety The Victim Friendly Unit was established in 1996 primarily to proactively and re-actively police crimes of sexual nature committed against women and children in a manner sensitive to the victim.

It further aims to be empathetic, meticulous, professional, expeditious, and maintain confidentiality when handling victims of sexual abuse.

Various methods of giving information on abuse whilst remaining anonymous like suggestion boxes and hotlines are also being marketed.

[2] The then-Commissioner of the ZRP, Augustine Chihuri, was open about his political loyalty to President Robert Mugabe's administration, saying in 2001 "Many people say I am ZANU-PF.