CHANTEL TAKUDZWA ZAMBUKIRA
Police in Bulawayo are being accused by informal traders of harassing and taking bribes through an operation called Inyama ivela ngaphi/nyama yabvepi.
Vendors who sell live chicken, as well as beef, and sausage, amongst other types of meat are having challenges in operating with policemen asking for bribes on a daily
basis.
“We can’t breathe, the police are asking for money daily in order to allow us to continue operating. We have families to feed.” said NaMamoe a vendor in Cowdray Park at a place know as sign post.
Another vendor, a Mthombeni said, “The police do not seem to understand the fact that there are no jobs and people have to make a living.
“Why is their money not receipted so that we know that it is legal? Why do their price have to change now and then, after seeing someone selling live chicken they ask for more money of around ten to fifteen US dollars.”
As soon as the vending site sells to these pseudo customers the police immediately pounce.
“Something has to be done about these people,” they said.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police Bulawayo Acting Spokesperson for Bulawayo Nomalanga Msebele, revealed to ZIM GBC NEWS that the police is aware of these activities of these rogue policemen and will soon act on the matter.