adminAssistant Commissioner Kenneth Mthombeni was responding to complaints by transport operators over alleged corruption by some traffic police officers.
The complaints came out during a workshop organised by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe to discuss ways of improving safety on the roads and reduce carnage this festive season.
Asst Comm Mthombeni said the public should not “budget” money for police officers at roadblocks, but should comply with traffic regulations.
“Do not budget for the police as some of you have been saying. Some of you say you have been cornered by some officers to pay bribes, but I urge you not to accept such tendencies,” he said.
“All you should focus on is ensuring you have the valid documents to avoid being penalised.”
Asst Comm Mthombeni said errant police officers would be dealt with accordingly.
“Not all police officers are corrupt, but it is a matter of greedy individuals who are tarnishing the image of the police,” he said.
“The ZRP command is against these officers because apart from image tarnishing, corruption also affects the economy. Let us work together to reduce cases of corruption because it’s not a one-man battle.”
The transport operators said spot fines were fuelling corruption and urged Government to scrap them.
Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development Minister Nicholas Goche refused to comment on spot fines, referring the question to the co-Ministers of Home of Affairs.
He said motorists should not expect favours from the police, but should strive to meet specified requirements.
“Some of you are complaining that the used cars that you import have got defects and police should not punish you the way they do with those with brand new vehicles,” he said.
“The law cannot be applied selectively because we might end up having everyone pleading for certain regulations to be relaxed.”
Minister Goche urged public transport operators to monitor the behaviour of their drivers to ensure safety on the roads ahead of the festive season.
Online Reporter