'Zimbabwe roadblocks scare tourists'

Police roadblocks in Zimbabwe are scaring away tourists as they feel their presence is an indication that there is something wrong in the country, a top tourism official has revealed.

Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT) executive director Paul Matamisa told the Daily News, tourists and even ordinary motorists are now in the habit of counting police roadblocks between towns .

"There are too many police roadblocks on our roads and tourists feel it is not safe to be here as the police presence scares them because in their countries police details are usually visible when there is an emergency.

"We have constantly raised the issue of roadblocks because it is not doing us any favour - it is not working at all and is sending the wrong vibes. Most times the fines are overcharged and illegal.

"We are not saying roadblocks should be abandoned altogether, no, they should not disappear but we are saying they should not be so overwhelming."