Private investigator licensing in Zimbabwe

Yes. Private investigators need a licence in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has a dedicated private investigators statute: anyone who carries on business obtaining information about a person's conduct, finances, business, identity or whereabouts for clients must hold a private investigators licence from the Controller of Private Investigators and Security Guards. Licences go only to natural persons who are permanently resident in Zimbabwe. Applicants must satisfy the Controller of their good character and financial position, carry the insurance the Controller requires and keep an audited client trust account, and their employees need certificates of approval.

Controller of Private Investigators and Security Guards (Ministry of Home Affairs), under Private Investigators and Security Guards (Control) Act [Chapter 27:10].

Relevant past experience and any police or military service record are taken into account, but no minimum is set

Insurance policies as the Controller requires against loss from misconduct or negligence, plus a bank trust account for client money that is audited

Licence valid for the prescribed period and renewed by application to the Controller, who reviews compliance and conduct

1. Apply to the Controller on the prescribed form with documents, fees and photographs 2. Controller consults the Commissioner of Police and checks character, finances and convictions in the past ten years 3. Take out the required insurance and open a trust account 4. Obtain certificates of approval for any responsible employees 5. Display the licence and keep the daily activity register and books of account

Police (superintendent or above) may permit a licensee to use an unapproved employee for up to 60 days, renewable, pending a certificate of approval (s. 18)