Zim GBC News | Investigative Desk
BULAWAYO – A Zim GBC News Investigative Desk exposé has revealed a sophisticated corruption network where Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers in Bulawayo allegedly collect over US$600,000 monthly in protection fees from kombi operators, while municipal police pocket an additional US$60,000, creating what investigators describe as a “shadow economy” that has eroded public trust in law enforcement.
The elaborate scheme, operated through intermediaries known as “Umnini Plazi,” involves daily payments of at least US$10 per kombi to avoid police harassment, with collectors acting as buffers between officers and the illicit transactions.
Systematic Extortion Uncovered
Multiple drivers interviewed described a well-established extortion system.
“On the Cowdray Park route alone, we encounter three police roadblocks,” one driver revealed.
“If you haven’t paid through ‘Mnini Plazi,’ you must pay US$3 at each stop – that’s US$9 per trip as long as this roadblock is on the route.”
The investigation identified key operational hotspots including 6th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo Street, 6th Avenue and Fort Street, City Hall, and several other locations. Shockingly, some vehicles operating from City Hall and 3rd Avenue are reportedly owned by former and serving police officers and Zimbabwe National Army personnel.
Erosion of Public Trust
The corruption has severely damaged public confidence in the police force, with many drivers expressing disillusionment.
“Amapholisa… haa.. ngabafanabethu laba,” one driver remarked, capturing the prevailing sentiment that traffic police have become complicit partners in lawbreaking.
A Nketa route driver explained the coercive nature of the system:
“While I want to play by the book, it is the police who force us to be rogue. If I don’t join the party they will make sure that my Kombi is not on the road. It is the reason that you find Kombis without passenger insurance and route permits running up and down. The police do not look at all these.”
Commuter Frustration Mounts
Ordinary commuters expressed anger at the deteriorating situation. One passenger recounted:
“I have witnessed police harassment of Kombi drivers. At one time, we were stopped for over thirty minutes at the Nguboyenja Fly-over just because the driver could not pay the wanted bribe. Other passengers had to beg the driver to give police the money they had collected on that trip.”
Another driver highlighted the unequal enforcement:
“We want proper and fair enforcement. Remember some of these police officers own Kombis, and their vehicles are not properly registered but do not face all this chaos.”
Financial Impact and Consequences
Calculations based on the investigation show ZRP officers amass approximately US$22,000 daily, translating to over US$600,000 monthly, while municipal officers collect about US$2,000 daily. Drivers who refuse to participate in the bribery scheme face vehicle impoundment and hefty fines.
The corruption network has undermined efforts to bring order to Bulawayo’s public transport sector, with errant kombi drivers and long-distance buses operating with impunity throughout the CBD.
The Bulawayo police referred all questions to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who could not be reached for comment.
Part Story by Southern Eye
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