Harare denies use of plain-clothed municipal police

The City of Harare has dismissed claims that it deploys municipal police or traffic enforcement officers who operate without uniforms, following reports that a cross-border truck driver was robbed in Mbare by individuals posing as council officers.

Health, Disaster, Risk Management and Public Safety Committee chairperson Councillor Jane Bhingari said the city does not allow municipal police or traffic officers to carry out duties while not in uniform, describing reports of plain-clothed enforcement as false and unlawful.

Her comments follow an incident in which a cross-border trucker was reportedly robbed near Mitchell Cotts in Mbare by people alleged to have been council officials.

Bhingari urged motorists and members of the public to ignore anyone claiming to be from the municipal police who is not wearing an official council uniform.

"No one should be given a ticket by someone without a uniform, even if they produce an identity card or they are told they should go to central stores," she said.

She said council by-laws clearly prohibit municipal police and traffic officers from conducting patrols or enforcement duties while out of uniform, warning that any officer found violating the rule would face immediate dismissal.

"We have a binding by-law in council which does not allow that. Those working for municipal police and traffic enforcement should know there is a binding by-law that if they are caught conducting patrols without a uniform, their jobs will be terminated immediately," Bhingari said.

"No excuses will be tolerated."

The City of Harare has in recent years warned residents and motorists about criminals masquerading as council officials to extort money, particularly in busy areas such as Mbare.

Police are yet to issue an official statement on the reported robbery, while council officials have reiterated calls for the public to verify the identity of enforcement officers and report suspected impostors to authorities.