7 traffic cops fired for corruption

SEVEN traffic police officers countrywide have been dismissed from service for corruption as the force steps up measures to stamp out the vice.

The seven were reportedly dismissed on 12 December.

In an interview on the sidelines of a traffic police anti-corruption drive in Bulawayo yesterday, the national Deputy Officer Commanding Traffic, Assistant Commissioner Kenny Mthombeni, said 30 police officers, including the seven, had gone for disciplinary hearings this year.

"The remaining 23 officers are still going through the due processes and if any of them are found guilty, they may also be dismissed," said Asst Comm Mthombeni.

He said the officers were mostly accused of soliciting for and accepting bribes.

"We will not tolerate corruption in our ranks. There are no sacred cows in the matter. Anyone who breaks the law will suffer the consequences," said Asst Comm Mthombeni. He said police were enforcing zero tolerance to corruption.

"We are taking action because people should not view us as an extension for corruption. The public should be able to trust police officers to protect them and uphold the law. They should know we are a force with integrity and with moral standards to uphold," said Asst Comm Mthombeni.

He encouraged the public to unite with the police to stop dishonesty among officers.

"Sometimes, people just complain about the rot at roadblocks. It is important to note that we cannot take action if such issues have not been brought to our attention. If an officer demands a bribe, take note of the force number and send information through the suggestion boxes if you do not wish to be known. We can then carry out investigations and gather the necessary evidence," said Asst Comm Mthombeni.

He said accusations without evidence were useless because they did not constitute a basis for disciplinary action.

He discouraged members of the public from tempting police officers with bribes saying it was an offence that could get them imprisoned.

"Anyone who offers a police officer a bribe will be arrested. Corruption is a two way thing and both the briber and the receiver are equally guilty," said Asst Comm Mthombeni.

He could not confirm reports that nine traffic police officers were arrested in Masvingo before Christmas for demanding bribes from motorists.

"I have not received such a report. However, the police are taking action and I can assure the Commissioner General (Augustine Chihuri) brooks no nonsense over corruption. Anyone who is caught will soon be jobless," said Asst Comm Mthombeni.

At the recently ended 13th Zanu-PF National People's Conference in Gweru, President Mugabe did not mince his words regarding corruption.

"Mapurisa, mapurisa, mapurisa. We want you to be straightforward people. You are representatives not only of Government, but of the people as a whole," he said.

"If you want to be paid to do your job, then you are practicing corruption and you cannot boast of having a well-disciplined police."

Police, said the President, were stopping motorists on the roads and demanding bribes.

"Kumisa vanhu mumigwagwa. Mota yako haina mabrakes haungaende mberi kana uchida, bhadhara $200 woenda," he said.

President Mugabe said in the majority of cases, the vehicles would not be defective, as alleged by the traffic police officers.

He said Zimbabweans should not hesitate to report corruption, even among high-ranking Government officials, adding that anyone who was caught would be fired.