Police Officers Living in Single Rooms Split by Curtains, Minister Calls Conditions ‘Deplorable’
Zimbabwean police officers are crammed into single rooms with their families, separated only by curtains, a shocking housing crisis exposed by Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe during a pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo on November 7.
The minister condemned the living conditions as “deplorable,” warning that the current state of police accommodation is unacceptable for officers tasked with maintaining law and order.
He urged Parliament to prioritize police welfare in the upcoming budget, linking poor housing to declining morale, discipline, and professionalism within the force.
“The welfare of police officers must be prioritized. It is deplorable that our officers, who serve and protect the nation, are living in conditions where they are sharing accommodation and dividing rooms with curtains.
“This is not befitting of their status,” Kazembe said.
Kazembe’s remarks revealed the extent of overcrowding in police housing facilities, where multiple families are forced to live in partitioned spaces with no privacy or basic amenities.
The situation has raised serious concerns about the dignity and operational effectiveness of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
In his address, the minister made a passionate appeal for increased budgetary support to construct modern housing units for officers.
He emphasized that decent accommodation is not merely a comfort issue, but a critical factor in building a disciplined and professional police force.
“Decent living conditions are key to enhancing morale, discipline, and professionalism within the force.
“We must change the narrative and restore the dignity of our officers through increased budgetary support for the construction of adequate and modern housing units,” he said.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe later confirmed Kazembe’s statements via its official X account, highlighting the urgency of the issue and the minister’s call for long-term solutions.
His comments have sparked public debate over the government’s commitment to supporting its security services.
As budget discussions continue, attention is now focused on whether lawmakers will respond with concrete measures to improve the living conditions of police officers across the country.
-iHarare
