Zimbabwe bans police officers from sports betting

Zimbabwe has banned police officers from betting on sports. This happened after the publication in social networks of a photo of two uniformed police officers betting in a bookmaker's office in the capital Harare.

The photo was taken by other visitors to the betting shop. Once published, the photo went viral on social media. 

In response to the public outcry, the Zimbabwe Police Force (ZRP) issued a directive ordering the detention of any police officers found betting on sports.

The legal basis for this action is the Police Act, the provisions of which prohibit law enforcers from acting in an inappropriate manner that could bring discredit to the police. This is punishable up to criminal liability.