Brunette Tshuma
In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the dawn of each working day brings a familiar, unsettling scene: police roadblocks where corruption thrives.
Residents have been forced to witness bribery firsthand, which has continued to erode trust in law enforcement persinnel.
These sentiments were raised by concerned journalists who were interacting with the Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner W. Makamache yesterday at Bulawayo Provincial Headquarters.
One journalist told the Bulawayo Province Police Chief when you see a Police officer with a checklist at a roadblock, its not a wanted list book but a list with those commuter omnibus drivers who would have paid the US$5 “clearance fees” for the day.
“They’re not checking for tickets, just making sure you’re ‘clear’ to operate for the day,” Explained a reporter who cannot be named.
The Khami Road flyover is a hotspot for corruption which has been observed with police officers soliciting bribes from drivers.
“Akutshiye okuncane” (“leave something for us”) has become a common phrase. Failure to comply means drivers will not operate along this route, leaving the drivers with no choice but to acquiesce.
“The fees are collected by officers on the ground and later shared amongst the group”
Residents wonder why they should report such incidents when police officers seem complicit.
“How does one report a Police Constable to another Constable? Maybe they are friends, maybe they trained together at Morris Depot?”
Enquired a male reporter.
Another explained to the Senior Police Officers who flanked Comm. Makamache, Assistant Commissioner Gumbo (Crime) and Assistant Commissioner… that some junior Police officers actually assist illegal Mshikashika drivers to commit traffic crime. Officers have been observed sitting in the front passenger seat in some of these vehicles in an obstruction manner.
This has caused significant belittling if the Police uniform. On the same vein,a female journalist shared her story saying,
“I am born of a policeman who was so proud and strict with his uniform. I oncegave a lift to a policeman from Luveve. He had in his trouser a bottle of Nchengu, (illicit hotstuff). He had the tenacity to drink right infront of me!!”
Commissioner Makamacha explained that no Police officer is allowed to owni a Mshikashika vehicles and tbis is not condoned and results in disciplinary action. Makamacha went on to urge the public to report corruption, going up the chain of command if necessary.
“We call upon the public to help us address these issues…by reporting corruption.
“It takes two to tango, as such the public and journalists are encouraged to be the ‘eyes’ of the ZRP in combating crime.”
As such any form of corruption must be reported beginning at the nearest Police Station. If there is no joy, the report must be escalated right up to PGHQ, Police General Headquarters in Harare.
Reporting Corruption:
- Go up the chain of command if no action is taken on the ground
- Report incidents to the police, despite fears of retaliation
- Support honest officers who uphold the law
By working together, Bulawayo residents and law enforcement can combat corruption and restore trust in the police force, Comm Makamache emphasised.
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