News / National
Harare warns of criminals posing as municipal officers
20 hrs ago | Views
The City of Harare has issued a warning to residents following a rise in cases of criminals impersonating municipal police officers and harassing members of the public.
In a statement, the council emphasised that all municipal officers in the traffic and compliance units must wear full uniforms while on duty. Exceptions are only allowed during special operations targeting illegal taxi and transport operators, locally known as mishikashika.
Authorities have urged residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a municipal officer or council official, and to document suspicious encounters with photos or videos wherever possible. Any suspicious activity should be reported directly to the City of Harare.
“There has also been an upsurge in criminals masquerading as municipal police officers who are harassing residents. Let’s work together to fight this menace,” the statement read.
The warning comes amid growing public concerns over scams and corruption involving fake officials, with reports of residents being extorted while individuals falsely claimed to be enforcing council by-laws.
The council reiterated that it does not tolerate corruption and has provided residents with contact details of senior officials for complaints or reporting suspicious encounters.
In a statement, the council emphasised that all municipal officers in the traffic and compliance units must wear full uniforms while on duty. Exceptions are only allowed during special operations targeting illegal taxi and transport operators, locally known as mishikashika.
Authorities have urged residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a municipal officer or council official, and to document suspicious encounters with photos or videos wherever possible. Any suspicious activity should be reported directly to the City of Harare.
“There has also been an upsurge in criminals masquerading as municipal police officers who are harassing residents. Let’s work together to fight this menace,” the statement read.
The warning comes amid growing public concerns over scams and corruption involving fake officials, with reports of residents being extorted while individuals falsely claimed to be enforcing council by-laws.
The council reiterated that it does not tolerate corruption and has provided residents with contact details of senior officials for complaints or reporting suspicious encounters.
Source - online
