Southern Eye investigation has exposed a deeply entrenched corruption racket within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Bulawayo, where officers are accused of extorting over US$600,000 monthly from kombi operators, while municipal police rake in an additional US$60,000. The scheme, facilitated by middlemen called “Umnini Plazi,” involves daily payments of at least US$10 per kombi to avoid harassment, creating a “shadow economy” that has shattered public trust in law enforcement.
Drivers describe a relentless cycle. “On the Cowdray Park route, we hit three police roadblocks,” said one operator. “Pay US$3 at each or face fines. It’s US$9 per trip.” Hotspots include 6th Avenue, City Hall, and Fort Street where some vehicles are owned by serving officers and army personne. “Amapholisa… haa.. ngabafanabethu laba,” a driver lamented, translating to: “The police are our besties , we are one .”
Passengers endure chaos: “We were stranded 30 minutes at Nguboyenja Fly-over. The driver coughed up cash to avoid impoundment,” a commuter shared. Drivers face a choice , bribe or collapse. “Some police own kombis. Why aren’t their vehicles inspected?” asked another operator.
Calculations reveal ZRP collects ~US$22,000 daily (US$600,000 monthly); municipal police, US$2,000 daily. Refusal means fines and seizures. The Bulawayo police cited national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who did not respond to inquiries.
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