Residents of Marange and Muromo are outraged over the alleged misuse of police tollgates by officers from Marange and Muromo Police Stations. The roadblock, which operate for 12 to 18 hours, have been accused of being more focused on fleecing motorists than enforcing road safety.
The Marange Police Station roadblock, located at Bezely Bridge in the morning and later relocated to Sithole Business Centre in the afternoon, has been criticized for serving no meaningful policing purpose. Motorists have reported being stopped and forced to pay spot fines for perceived infractions, with only those deemed “uncooperative” being targeted.
The Muromo Police Station roadblock, located near the 22-mile mark, has been accused of being a pseudo-roadblock where officers allegedly extort money from motorists. The use of orange cones and police uniforms has been described as a blatant abuse of authority.
Some motorists have reported that police officers manning the roadblock appear to be under the influence of alcohol, leading to concerns about the safety and integrity of the police force. This has sparked questions about the professionalism and accountability of the officers involved.
The situation has raised concerns about the necessity of these roadblocks and whether they are sanctioned by higher authorities. Residents are demanding answers from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the disciplinary arm of the police force, questioning the legitimacy and purpose of these roadblocks.
The community is watching and waiting for authorities to take action to address these allegations. Will the police force take steps to address these concerns, or will the status quo continue? The public is eager to see transparency and accountability in the operations of the police force.
source-Bridget Mukwena
