The Zimbabwean government has banned police officers from using mobile phones while on duty “with immediate effect”.
The ban is contained in a memo ordering police officers to leave their private communications gadgets behind while on duty.
All officers are required to hand over their cell phones to their supervisors upon arrival at their posts and use them only during their breaks.
The memo did not give reasons for the ban, but it is widely believed that it could be part of efforts to curb police corruption.
It comes days after two traffic enforcers were arrested in the capital Harare after a viral video on social media showed them taking bribes from public transport vehicles.
Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi described the two detained officers as “bad apples who do not deserve to serve in the police force”.
The new mobile policy aims to reinforce an earlier order issued to all stations late last month.
It reads: “Despite many instructions given by members of the police force to ban the use of mobile phones while on duty, commanders are not enforcing this.”
“No member shall be in possession of a mobile phone while on duty. Mobile phones shall be used only during break and lunch hours,” the circular reads.
Officers in charge of police stations have been ordered to enforce the ban, with threats made against those who do not comply with the rules.
“Once a member is found using a cell phone while on duty, that member’s officer in charge will be cited,” the memo added.
The police are considered one of the most corrupt institutions in Zimbabwe due to low salaries and poor working conditions.
More Zimbabwe stories from the BBC:
Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfricaon Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at BBCAfrica
