The Harare Residents Trust has highlighted that municipal police officers are profiting from vendors in the central business district by accepting bribes to avoid making arrests.
According to the Trust’s director, Precious Shumba, discussions with vendors revealed that many municipal officers are demanding bribes.
Shumba stated, “Vendors have indicated in our community engagements that they would willingly register and pay for their spaces if the Council implements a fair and affordable registration system.”
He criticized the City of Harare for failing to uphold the dignity of vendors despite having an SMEs policy in place.
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Municipal police, alongside the Zimbabwe Republic Police, conduct daily operations to arrest vendors, but most of these vendors never end up at a police station.
Shumba pointed out that municipal officers benefit from this disorder, which is why many of them resist being transferred from their posts in Mbare, even taking legal action to stay.
“They benefit personally and collectively, while the council does not profit at all,” Shumba said.
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