By Sharon Chimenya
THE Masvingo City Council Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, has been urged to address allegations of bribery against municipal police officers, who are being accused of soliciting bribes from illegal taxi operators and vendors.
Municipal police officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting council property, and enforcing by-laws, including traffic regulations.
During a full council meeting held in council chambers on Monday last week, Ward 9 Councillor, Bernard Muchokwa, who is also chairperson of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, called for an end to the alleged corrupt practices.
“This issue is quite sensitive, last time I raised it I heard some asking if I had evidence but believe you me, councillors and management this department has become notorious in this organisation in terms of corruption. I cannot bring evidence to this house at the moment but believe me where we work kunoitwa zvakawanda by this department,” he said.
He said the officers had gone to an extent of having their own books which they record finances collected from illegal taxi operations and vendors.
“TC, you need to reign in this department. Vanhu vanofanira kudzingwa basa nekuti muri kuitwa zvakawanda. Muzvikona kona kumavendor kunotonyogwa zvibhuku votonzi mari iyi ndeye mupurisa wecouncil. Why is it that our municipal police love very much to go after taxis and vendors why don’t they go and attend to issue that directly affect service delivery? Uku huori hwawanda. In a few weeks we are going to see a video of our own police,” he said.
Meanwhile, in August this year, the municipal police were allegedly involved in acts of corruption. At that stage, the chief security officer was instructed to put up in place systems to curb corruption.
One of the moves which were suggested was the suspension of instant receipting of fines with fines being paid directly at the council revenue halls.