Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
POLICE have urged members of the public to report rogue police officers or individuals who are masquerading as cops countrywide.
According to police, some of these suspects target victims with the intention of demanding bribes.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said, “The ZRP is urging members of the public to report rogue police officers or individuals impersonating police officers who engage in misconduct such as demanding bribes, suspicious behaviour or failure to produce identification.
“The public should contact the following hotlines, 0713 407 906 / (0242) 443 457/ (0242) 703631 or report to any nearest police station.”
This development also comes after motorists last week expressed concern over “an excessive number of police roadblocks” countrywide and the Zimbabwe Republic Police moved to defend its operations and urged the public to report any irregularities.
Responding to the public outcry, Commissioner Nyathi said all roadblock deployments were regulated and no officer was allowed to mount one without clearance.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of the public’s concerns regarding the siting and manning of police roadblocks in the country,” he said.
Comm Nyathi explained that roadblock schedules were submitted by Station, District and Provincial Commanders to the Police General Headquarters’ Operations Department for guidance and clearance.
“The policy of the Zimbabwe Republic Police is that no roadblocks are manned within a 30 to 50 kilometre radius of each policing area, whether in urban or rural setups,” he said.
Comm Nyathi added that increased checkpoints are only allowed during national events, emergencies, or operations involving moving criminals or stolen property, and should return to normal levels soon after.
“Disciplinary action will be taken against any police officer who conducts roadblock duties in a manner which is not in conformity with police set standards,” he said.
The ZRP encouraged the public to report excessive or suspicious roadblocks directly to the Commissioner-General of Police, or through the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.
