The City of Harare has set up a new municipal police unit to crack down on illegal traders, people who litter, and those who roast green maize in the city centre.
Mayor Jacob Mafume said this during a meeting at Town House on Thursday. He said the council wants to restore order in the city. Said Mafume:
<blockquote>
We have created a special unit in our municipal police, that is going to be enforcing anti-litter by-laws.
Certainly, in other countries, you don’t roast maize in the middle of town and so forth.
These are the things that we are going to be planning back on with the special units of the police to make sure that the areas are clean.
</blockquote>
Mafume also said that the council is committed to providing informal traders with safe and proper vending spaces. He said:
<blockquote>
We need to have some streets where we do not permit anyone to sell anything in the market or anywhere and then other streets we can agree, after consultation with the informal sector and the residents, where we can allow them to be able to do the same implementation for designated areas, so that we can establish policies.
</blockquote>
However, in an interview with <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200038881/harare-deploys-new-police-unit-against-vendors">NewsDay</a>, Combined Harare Residents Association director Ruben Akili said the council is responsible for the lawlessness in the city centre due to its failure to provide alternative vending spaces.
Akili added that the local authority likely spends more on enforcement than on building markets. He said:
<blockquote>
Resources must be channelled towards building markets in areas where these people can be allowed to do their work.
</blockquote>
While there are no official statistics on the number of informal traders in Harare, estimates suggest there are thousands, driven by the ongoing closure of companies and the shortage of formal employment opportunities.

Pindula News

The City of Harare has a new police unit to stop illegal traders, litterbugs, and people roasting maize in the city center. Mayor Jacob Mafume wants to clean up the city. The council will provide safe places for vendors to sell their goods. But some people think the council should focus on building markets instead of just enforcing the law. Many people sell things on the streets because there are not enough jobs in Harare.

New Harare Municipal Police Unit Targets Vendors And Litterbugs

A City of Harare municipal traffic police officer was reportedly kidnapped by a motorist attempting to evade arrest on New Year’s Eve.
The officer, 23-year-old Felistas Mutongweza, was abducted by an unidentified driver she had stopped for ferrying passengers using a private vehicle without a council license.
Mutongweza had arrested the motorist, who was driving a Toyota Sienta with registration number AGF 8309, at the corner of Rezende Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue around 10 AM.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson for Harare Province, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/council-traffic-cop-kidnapped/">H-Metro</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
Police are investigating a kidnapping case involving a Municipal Traffic Police Officer.
On December 31, 2024, the complainant was on duty with her workmates.
Before the complainant’s colleagues entered the car, the accused person drove away with the complainant and other passengers along Sam Nujoma Street towards Belgravia Shopping Centre.
Along the way, the accused person took the complainant’s cell phone so that she could not communicate with her colleagues.
The accused person stopped at Belgravia Shops, disembarked and pulled the complainant out of the motor vehicle.
Accused person gave the complainant her cell phone and drove off.
Complainant phoned her workmates and they picked her up with their motor vehicle.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A traffic officer in Harare named Felistas Mutongweza was taken by a driver on New Year's Eve. Mutongweza had stopped the driver for not having a proper license. The driver then drove off with her, taking her phone so she couldn't call for help. The driver later dropped her off and drove away. Mutongweza was eventually found by her colleagues. The police are now investigating the case.

Harare Traffic Officer Kidnapped By Motorist

A Harare municipal police officer was struck by a Honda CR-V on Tuesday morning in the central business district while attempting to stop the vehicle from evading arrest.
Reports indicate that the officer, who was part of a traffic enforcement team, jumped out to intercept the car, but the driver refused to comply, resulting in the tragic incident.
The City of Harare confirmed that the female officer was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. The council said:
<blockquote>
One of our municipal police officers was hit by an errant motorist who was trying to evade arrest today. The officer P/S Rombayi sustained yet to be determined injuries.
She was rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital where she is admitted and receiving treatment. Motorists are urged to cooperate with municipal police in order to avoid such incidents.
</blockquote>
The council added that the motorist involved in the incident has been taken into custody by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A police officer in Harare was hit by a car while trying to stop it. The officer jumped in front of the car, but the driver didn't stop. Now, the officer is in the hospital getting treatment for her injuries. The city council said that drivers should listen to police and not try to run away. The driver who hit the officer has been arrested by the police. It's important to follow rules to not get hurt or hurt others on the road.

Harare Municipal Police Officer Injured After Jumping In Front Of Vehicle

Harare Mayor, His Worship, Cllr Jacob Mafume, has responded to allegations of police brutality involving municipal officers.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows a group of men in civilian attire assaulting a vendor. Mayor Mafume has ordered an investigation into the matter.
In a press statement, Mayor Mafume emphasized the importance of upholding human rights in policing. He stated:
<blockquote>
We are the primary police force in our city, and we interact most closely with the public. Our methods must align with human rights principles.
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To address this, the mayor announced plans to introduce human rights courses for officers.
Furthermore, Mafume acknowledged the need for harmony between municipal officers and vendors.
He emphasized that the institution’s image must be protected, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken if the perpetrators are indeed city employees.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume Orders Probe Into Vendor Assault

Bus and commuter omnibus operators in Harare have revealed that rank marshals are colluding with corrupt police and municipal officers to collect unauthorized taxes at bus termini, pocketing an estimated US$1 million each month. The rank marshals, who work with five associations representing the operators, reportedly collect up to US$240,000 per month from each association.
According to Mr. Pious Chidzenga, the head of operations for the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors (ZUDAC), each driver is forced to pay US$2 for every trip they make into the rank, resulting in rank marshals earning US$10 per driver daily. This exploitative practice extends over a month, with drivers individually contributing US$300. With over 800 members in ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$240,000 monthly from this association alone. He told The <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/rank-marshals-pocket-us1m-a-month">Sunday Mail</a>:
<blockquote>
Each driver is compelled to pay US$2 for every one of the five daily trips they make into the rank. Simple multiplication will tell you that rank marshals pocket a substantial US$10 per driver each day. This exploitative practice persists over a month, with drivers contributing US$300 per month individually. When multiplied by the 800 members of ZUDAC alone, the rank marshals accumulate US$ 240,000 monthly. This figure represents just one association out of the more than five operating within Harare.
</blockquote>
During a public transport stakeholders meeting, Harare’s police officer commanding, Commissioner Wonder Tembo, expressed his disapproval of this behavior and announced an upcoming operation to eradicate this criminal syndicate. He acknowledged that some rank marshals falsely claim association with senior political figures but assured stakeholders that the police would not tolerate such behavior. He said:
<blockquote>
As officer commanding Harare, I want to mention that as police, we don’t condone such kind of behaviour that is prevailing at various bus ranks. We are having running battles with people who claim they own certain ranks. I have tasked my assistant commissioners to sit down with Harare City Council officials to come up with an operation to tame this menace.
We are aware that many of these rank marshals hide behind political parties, but we have never received a call from any political party or Government questioning why we have arrested certain troublemakers.
I urge you (council) to also come up with an operation and as law-enforcement agents, we will support you and we will come in our numbers to help you. We don’t want to be the initiators of the job that is supposed to be done by you.
</blockquote>
Commissioner Tembo urged operators to resist paying the rank marshals and assured them of police support if they faced intimidation. 
Harare’s Mayor, Cllr Jacob Mafume, acknowledged that rank marshals had gained excessive power at council bus stations but assured stakeholders that action would be taken to restore order. He announced plans for the council to take over the ranks and address the situation in the coming month.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Corrupt Rank Marshals Pocket $1 Million Monthly In Unauthorised Bus Taxes

Former Harare City Deputy Mayor, Kudzai Kadzombe, said she witnessed Harare municipal police officers “robbing vendors” along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight. She expressed her disappointment and managed to report the incident to their superiors. Kadzai Kadzombe, who was recently removed from her position in the council said:
<blockquote>
 Potato &amp; butternut heist, I was so disappointed to witness 1st hand, Hre municipal police officers robbing vendors along Lomagundi Road in broad daylight, with so many witnesses around, load the goods &amp; then sped away. I took the reg# &amp;reported it to their superiors
</blockquote>
This revelation sparked various responses, with some people stating that such incidents are common, particularly in the central business district.
Some individuals claimed that municipal police officers patrol certain areas and impose taxes on vendors, collecting US$5 every three days. Kadzombe, however, believes that not all officers are corrupt and that many dedicated municipal officers love their job and uphold principles. She acknowledged that a few bad officers tarnished the reputation of the entire force.
Others criticised Kadzombe, suggesting that she may be unfamiliar with the Harare Municipal Police’s modus operandi and urged her to familiarise herself with the by-laws and the efforts being made to restore order in the city. They questioned her lack of knowledge about the responsibilities of her own workers in cleaning up the city. Kadzombe responded, asserting that although she understands the role of municipal police as an enforcement arm of the council, she was specifically referring to thieves disguised as officers. She stood by her statement and expressed her disappointment in witnessing such acts.
Many comments highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption within Harare’s municipal police and other departments, such as city parking, licensing, and billing.
The incident witnessed by Kadzombe was seen as a reflection of the daily struggles faced by many vendors and the demands for bribes from the municipal police. Some suggested that the person involved may have been new to the area, hence the confiscation of goods, while others said that vendors often pay “rent” to operate. Critics described City Parking, a company contracted by the local government authority to collect parking revenue, and the municipal police officers as “terrorists” who are not pro-people. They demanded that measures be taken to address this issue.
There were calls for Harare Mayor, Jacob Mafume, to be made aware of the situation and for action to be taken against the corrupt officers. Suggestions were made to pay municipal police officers better and provide them with the necessary resources to do their job effectively. Some believed that this would help alleviate the problem of corruption.
Critics accused Kadzombe of raising the issue for political gain, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people. They argued that such incidents have been happening for a long time, but the local government authority has failed to take action. Kadzombe defended herself, stating that speaking the truth should not be seen as a popularity stunt. She expressed her willingness to address the issue and emphasized that just because such incidents are not new does not mean they should be tolerated.
Some individuals justified HMP’s operations arguing that vendors also engage in illegal activities, evading taxes and robbing the city of revenue. According to some commentators, “It is common for the police to confiscate goods when they catch someone committing a crime.” They claim that the police take everything that could be used as evidence. Others mentioned that vendors are not allowed to operate in certain areas, and some of them do not have the necessary medical certificates, which are required for selling food.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Former Harare Deputy Mayor Kadzombe "Witnesses Municipal Police Robbing Vendors"

Vendors yesterday allegedly stoned six Harare municipal police and two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers, as they resisted eviction from their illegal selling points in Eastlea.
Council spokesperson, Michael Chideme said the injured officers were rushed to Parirenyatwa Hospital after being injured during the confrontation. Said Chideme:
<blockquote>Six municipal police and two ZRP officers doing duty in Eastlea were today severely injured when they were waylaid by vendors. Initial reports indicate that a group of banana vendors had camped at number 2 Market Street in Eastlea, resulting in the property owner making a report to council. The municipal police force immediately responded with support from ZRP. Upon arrival at the premises, they were attacked with stones, leading to the injuries. Even passers-by were caught in the attacks, as well as parked and moving vehicles. Harare City Council strongly advises members of the informal sector not to be confrontational when approached by law enforcers.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/02/15/rowdy-vendors-stone-municipal-zrp-police-officers/">NewsDay</a>

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