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Crime Reporter
SEVEN Harare municipal traffic enforcement officers have been arrested on allegations of illegally releasing impounded vehicles and demanding bribes from motorists. More arrests are expected as investigations into the case continue.The seven were arrested on Monday and were taken to Harare Central Police Station were they are assisting with investigations.
They are believed to have prejudiced the city council of thousands of dollars.
In a statement, Harare City Council town clerk Dr Tendai Mahachi confirmed yesterday and said they were still working out the amounts involved.
“The City of Harare informs the public that some of its officers in the traffic enforcement division are helping the police with investigations over allegations of illegally releasing impounded vehicles and demanding bribes from offending motorists,” he said.
A video surveillance investigation was instituted by the office of the town clerk resulting in the arrest of the suspects.
“The quantum of prejudice is still being worked out. The city of Harare does not condone corruption and will continue in its drive to remove all bad apples among its rank and file,” said Dr Mahachi.
He said the officers were helping police with investigations.
“On our part, we are continuing with investigations. We repeat for the benefit of all our residents, all fines and bills should be paid through the designated council cash points.
“We urge all residents to play their part in ridding our city of corruption through reporting any suspicious cases to the police and office of the town clerk,” Dr Mahachi said.
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.
“Our drive, for world class city status by 2025 demands that we become a corruption free society. Be a city changer, play your part in ridding Harare of corruption,” Dr Mahachi said.
Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tadius Chibanda yesterday said he was yet to get a full detailed report of the case.
Motorists, commuter omnibus crews and vendors have been complaining about the conduct of the municipal police officers of ‘arresting’ them and then ask 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.
Currently, the city charges US$57 for wheel clamping of small vehicles and US$80 for kombis while the tow-away charges stand at US$112 for light vehicles and US$132 for kombis.
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 gazette.
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 fleet to 20 vehicles to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the clampdown on traffic offenders.
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