admin
Crime Reporter
THE seven Harare municipal traffic enforcement officers who were arrested on allegations of illegally releasing impounded vehicles and demanding bribes from motorists have been released from custody, but are still assisting police with investigations. The matter is being handled by police officers from the Commercial Crime Unit (CCU) at Harare Central Police Station.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda said on Thursday that more arrests were expected as investigations continue.
The seven were arrested on Monday and were taken to Harare Central Police Station after they were accused of prejudicing the city council of thousands of dollars.
Harare City Council town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi said yesterday that they were still working out the amounts involved. The suspects were arrested over allegations of illegally releasing impounded vehicles and demanding bribes from offending motorists.
A video surveillance investigation was instituted by Dr Mahachi’s office resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
Dr Mahachi said they did not condone corruption and would continue their drive to remove “all bad apples” from the council.
He said the latest developments were part of the city’s anti-graft drive where they wanted to promote a culture of transparency and accountability within their officers.
Motorists, commuter omnibus crews and vendors have been complaining about the conduct of the municipal police officers of “arresting” them and then asking for bribes for their release.
Early this month, the Harare City Council increased clamping and tow-away fees for illegally parked vehicles and those that violate the city’s traffic regulations from US$112 to US$423 in the 2014 budget. The proposal was passed by the council and now awaits approval by the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, Dr Ignatius Chombo.
Council spokesman Leslie Gwindi recently said the provisions for traffic violations have been made stringent to prevent accidents and restore sanity in the central business district.
The amended Harare (Clamping and Tow-Away) By-Laws 2013 would come into force once Dr Chombo approves the new regulations and the by-laws are gazetted.
The city is expecting to raise US$5,4 million from clamping and towing out of its projected US$364 million 2014 budget.
The city plans to increase its tow-away fleet to 20 vehicles to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the clampdown on traffic offenders.
Online Reporter