The Zambia Police Service (ZP) and Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration in the fight against vandalism, theft and encroachment on railway property.
The landmark agreement underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to safeguard critical national infrastructure that supports Zambia’s economic growth and regional trade.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba described the partnership as an important milestone in addressing the security challenges faced by ZRL. He said the partnership is a clear demonstration of the resolve to work hand in hand with Zambia Railways Limited to protect public infrastructure. The Zambia Police recognises the strategic importance of Zambia Railways Limited as a key enabler of economic development in the country. Therefore, the MoU will foster collaboration in addressing security challenges faced by ZRL.
Mr Musamba pledged the Police Service’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the MoU.
Meanwhile, ZRL Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi expressed ZRL’s excitement and stressed the importance of the partnership in addressing vandalism, theft and other railway-related crimes.
Eng. Malindi said railway transport remains significant to the country’s economic development through the facilitation of bulk cargo movement and the enhancement of regional trade.
He noted that the company is currently faced with increased cases of vandalism and theft, which prompted ZRL to engage the Zambia Police on a collaborative basis to assist in combating these retrogressive acts. The signing of the MoU underscores the importance ZRL attaches to the safety and security of its operations and signals to the public that offenders will face the full extent of the law.
He added that through this partnership, the Zambia Police will assist in enforcing the law on those who have encroached on railway reserve land.
The MoU establishes a framework for joint patrols along the railway network, scrap metal curbing strategies, security threat assessments and operations, enhanced investigations and prosecutions, and joint public awareness and community engagement initiatives to deter offenders, among other objectives.
