Nkosentsha Khumalo
Members of the Plumtree community have leveled serious allegations of corruption against a group of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) traffic officers, who are accused of engaging in an extortionist scheme at some roadblocks.
The officers, who are said to have been led by an officer only identified as Assistant Inspector Munga, are alleged to have demanded bribes from drivers at a roadblock on the Bulawayo-Plumtree highway.
The allegations have come as what many are terming ‘abuse of power’, as they expect the police officers to be the ones who enforce and uphold the law to the protect the citizens.
For far too long, the country has been plagued by reports of corruption within its law enforcement agencies, particularly among traffic officers.
While citizens expect their officers to maintain law and order, many are instead forced to contend with those who have strayed from their ethical oaths and chosen to line their pockets at the expense of the people.
This alarming trend has been witnessed in every corner of the country, from especially the highways of Bulawayo and other parts of the country.
As corruption has sinked it’s teeth deeper into Zimbabwe’s Police force, drivers are beginning to exploit these unethical connections for their own benefit. Rather than abide by the law, some drivers have adopted a dangerous sense of impunity, believing that their personal ties to corrupt officers can shield them from legal consequences.
This disturbing trend has fostered an environment where the law has become more of a suggestion than a strict code of conduct. As a result, the roads have become increasingly perilous, with drivers forgoing safety and respect for others in favour of an unabashed pursuit of personal gain.
The citizens of Plumtree, tired of this unchecked abuse of power, have taken matters into their own hands and penned their grievances to the Commissioner-General Matanga, Commander in Charge for Matabeleland South Province and the Anti-Corruption Unit.
The residents clearly outlined the alleged extortion scheme perpetrated by Assistant Inspector Munga and her band of rogue officers, and pleaded for urgent intervention.
“As Zimbabwean citizens and being drivers operating Bulawayo-plumtree high way, we are very much concerned about high level of corruption being done by some four ZRP Plumtree traffic officers. These police officers who are led by an Assistant Inspector, are Assistant Inspector Munga a female officer, Sergeant Moyo, a female officer, Constable Hwenga a male officer and Constable Tachera, a male officer.
“We really dont know whether they are taking advantage of the officer in charge Inspector Ndebele who is currently on leave as they are collecting bribes like leaves from trees. As drivers, we don’t have a problem with that because we know every police officers does take money from people but our big problem is that only their shift is the one which demands US$10 for a vehicle to pass the 98km peg roadblock.
“These officers are saying if you dont have 10 dollars you are impounded for seven days before you get your vehicle so this is clear that its just a law which has been introduced to either fix or force drivers to pay more money when you get to their office to avoid being impounded for seven days. “
The complainant continued to state that,
“We dont know maybe there is a law which stipulates that when one is impounded, he or she has to stay for 7 days before he/she comes to pay for his/her fines. Please help us by investigating this matter of urgency because we realIy don’t know why Assistant
Inspector Munga is doing this or if she is being forced by the situation of her school children who are at a boarding School, Thekwane High School since its an expensive school or if she is just taking advantage of being an acting officer in charge. Just do your investigations you will get to the bottom of the story and help us by deploying good police officers not these hungry lions who have stayed for too long and now do as they please.”
The citizens also raised concerns about the financial burden of having to pay bribes at multiple roadblocks on the journey, potentially totaling $30 per trip. They pleaded with the police bosses to take swift and decisive action to address the corruption and restore law and order on the road.
“Imagine of all the three roadblocks from Bulawayo to Plumtree including VED if one has to pay US$10-00 per block how much will he be left with? Besides fuel besides vehicle service among other costs. Hope that the police bosses will take proper action.”
In a related development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) apprehended two suspects, Tinashe Madzima (31) and Ishamel Gonyora, in connection with the bribery incident involving two police officers, Sergeant James Chifamba and Constable Trymore Mukunza, captured on a live video at Mabvuku turn-off.
The arrests were made on November 6, 2024 at the George Shopping Centre in Ruwa, following a thorough investigation.
In addition to the arrests, the ZRP impounded two Toyota Hiace kombis, registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264, which were linked to the bribery incident.
Madzima, the driver of kombi ABZ 1395, was caught on camera approaching one of the police officers with a bribe, while Gonyora, the conductor of kombi ABZ 8264, was also seen offering a bribe to the officers.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to refrain from offering bribes to police officers as swift action will be taken against them for justice to prevail. The public is implored to report incidents of bribery or corruption on National Complaints Desk number (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197 or report at any nearest Police Station, “said the National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
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