Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, 2026, paving the way for local authorities to establish their own municipal police services and courts to enforce by-laws, handle traffic offences and prosecute minor violations.

According to the post-Cabinet briefing issued on Tuesday, the proposed legislation is designed to enhance the capacity of municipalities to maintain law and order within their jurisdictions while improving service delivery and community safety.

Cabinet said the Bill would create a stronger legal foundation for municipalities to establish and operate professional municipal police services. These units would be responsible for enforcing local by-laws, managing traffic, preventing crime at community level and supporting public safety initiatives.

The legislation also proposes the establishment of municipal courts, which would have jurisdiction over cases involving breaches of municipal by-laws, traffic offences and other minor infractions. It further provides for the appointment of municipal magistrates to preside over these courts, along with other provisions set out in the law.

Cabinet said the Bill aligns with Zimbabwe’s devolution agenda by promoting good governance, improving public safety and strengthening environmental management through enhanced local authority oversight.