Keep receipts for electric gadgets says police

Bulawayo residents have reacted angrily over reports that police are confiscating electronic gadgets demanding owners to produce proof of purchase. Police have chiefs have however said there s nothing wrong with police actions as people are encouraged to keep receipts for their gadgets.

Last Friday, about 15 students from Bulawayo Polytechnic were detained at Bulawayo Central Police Station after their laptops had been confiscated by police.

The students, who were picked up at Centenary Park and the city centre at different times could not produce receipts on the spot.

"This is a blatant act of corruption and abuse of office by the police. By their action they now want to carry around receipts of every electric gadget that we might be having?" fumed Sihle Nyathi.

She said she would challenge the very police to also produce receipts of their mobile phones.

Added another resident, "People should united and demonstrate against rogue elements in the police force. Imagine everybody carrying around receipts of laptops, mobile phones, I-pads. They will end up asking people were they got the money that they would be having on them."

Some of the affected students had to be rescued by their parents at the station.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo said there was nothing wrong with police actions as they were only doing their duties.

"The police were just doing their duties. We encourage people to keep receipts of their gadgets to avoid inconveniences," said Insp Moyo.