- Cops ambush motorists from their hiding places
- Checkpoints mounted at non-risky CBD roads
THE COVID-19 induced national lock-down has seen an increase of roadblocks into entry points to the capital city’s Central Business District (CBD) as police enforce lock-down regulations, but presence and frequency of police on the CBD roads in a rather extortionate pattern, has irked motorists, Zim Morning Post can report.
Motorists who spoke to this publication said, understandably, government’s decision to mount roadblocks at CBD entry points have assisted in de-congesting traffic in the face of the COVID 19 pandemic, but some police officers have mounted roadblocks at non-risky areas.
“Imagine, I have already been vetted and cleared to get into town through three roadblocks from Chitungwiza where I stay , and I’m subjected to further scrutiny by a group of more than 11 cops where there is no roadblocks sign or any signal,” said a disgruntled motorist.
“They just appear from behind buildings where they will be hiding and they bombard the car, grab the keys and drive off with you and demand at least US$5 release fee, it’s not fair,” he added.
This reporter witnessed such an incident Tuesday afternoon at the corner of Harare Street and Jason Moyo Avenue, where at least 11 police officers were ‘ambushing’ motorists and openly demanding bribes.
“This is wrong , it’s like the poor fighting against the poor, the cops are placing undue expenses on already hard pressed motorists whose salaries are erode upon being deposited into their back accounts,” added another motorist who refused to identify herself for fear of reprisal.
Police authorities are on record stating that road blocks were established to maintain peace and curb road carnages, but corrupt law officers are cashing in on desperate motorists, demanding bribes.
The road traffic regulations are not clear on how many officers should man a standard roadblock.
It states that it must consists of more than three officers, with the security barriers like drums although checkpoints can be mounted at areas where police suspect of criminal activities.
This publication could not immediately establish whether the ‘checkpoint’ with at least eleven officers at the corner of Jason Moyo Avenue and Harare Street is a security risk.
National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi could not be reached for comment at the time of writing.
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