Cops filmed taking bribes

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into allegations that two police officers stationed at Mabvuku Police Station in Harare were caught on camera collecting bribes from motorists at a roadblock along Mutare Road.

The investigation follows the circulation of a video on social media allegedly showing the officers receiving money from motorists near the Mabvuku interchange.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 14, police confirmed that they were aware of the footage and had initiated inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged misconduct.

According to the ZRP, the incident reportedly occurred at a roadblock situated just after N. Richards along Mutare Road, heading towards the Mabvuku interchange.

One of the officers featured in the social media allegations was identified by the nickname "kaGoat", while the two were reportedly operating from a grey police pick-up truck.

Police said investigators were examining the footage to determine whether it depicted a recent incident or an older case that had already been investigated and dealt with by the police command.

The ZRP has not confirmed the identities of the officers involved or whether any disciplinary action has been taken.

The allegations have once again brought attention to concerns over corruption at police roadblocks, where motorists have frequently complained about demands for unofficial payments by some law enforcement officers.

Public transport operators, particularly commuter omnibus drivers and operators of informal transport vehicles commonly known as mushikashika, have often raised concerns about alleged harassment, unnecessary delays and demands for money during police operations.

Such allegations have contributed to public mistrust of roadblock enforcement activities, particularly when officers are accused of using traffic violations as opportunities to solicit bribes.

The latest video has renewed debate over accountability within the police force and the need for effective measures to prevent corruption during traffic enforcement operations.

However, the ZRP has emphasised that investigations are still underway, and the allegations against the officers have not yet been established.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, police have dismissed social media claims that a female pedestrian was struck by a commuter omnibus while the driver was fleeing from law enforcement officers in central Harare.

The incident, which was also captured in a video widely circulated online, sparked allegations that the kombi driver had been attempting to escape police or municipal officers when the accident occurred.

However, the ZRP rejected that version of events following investigations and consultations with officers who attended the accident scene.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police said the incident involved a speeding Nissan Caravan commuter omnibus that struck a 46-year-old female pedestrian in Harare's central business district.

According to police, there was no evidence that the vehicle was being pursued by members of the ZRP or City of Harare municipal police at the time of the collision.

The kombi driver is facing a charge of driving without due care and attention.

The ZRP urged members of the public to exercise caution when circulating information on social media, warning that unverified claims could create misleading impressions about incidents involving law enforcement officers.

Police encouraged the public to verify information through appropriate channels before sharing videos and allegations online.

The two incidents have placed renewed focus on the conduct of traffic enforcement officers and the growing influence of social media in exposing alleged misconduct and shaping public perceptions of policing.

While the investigation into the alleged bribery incident continues, the ZRP faces the task of establishing the authenticity and circumstances of the footage and determining whether any officers breached the law or police disciplinary regulations.