HARARE — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned the public not to provide personal information or make payments through a fraudulent website masquerading as the police’s official Smart Traffic Management System.

In a press statement dated September 22, 2026, the police dismissed the purported website, zrp.ess.co.zw, saying it has no relationship, association or link with the ZRP.

Police said the website is not authorised to represent the Smart Traffic Management System or any other ZRP service.

The public has been urged not to register or transact through the website and, crucially, not to submit sensitive personal or financial information.

The warning covers information such as national identification numbers, driver’s licence details, vehicle registration numbers, telephone numbers, banking details, PINs and one-time passwords (OTPs).

Police have also warned motorists and members of the public against making payments through the platform or any links associated with it.

In a further warning, the ZRP urged the public not to download files, applications or other content from the website and to treat any messages, links, advertisements or social media posts directing people to the platform as suspicious.

Probe launched

ZRP said they had engaged the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) and relevant government departments to assist with the investigations.

The probe is aimed at identifying the person or entity behind the website and establishing the circumstances surrounding its operation.

Police said that legal action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in activities intended to deceive or defraud members of the public.

The warning comes as government services increasingly move online, creating opportunities for criminals to exploit the public through websites designed to resemble legitimate state platforms.

The ZRP urged the public to verify information about police services through official Zimbabwe Republic Police communication channels before providing personal information, downloading applications or making any payments.