Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has vowed to take action after officers fined a South African tourist US$30 at a roadblock in Chipinge for allegedly failing to carry four emergency warning triangles.
The incident came to light after the tourist posted a video online describing his encounter with officers at the roadblock.
In the clip, he said he was carrying three triangles but was still fined, despite having visited Zimbabwe several times previously without ever being told that four were required.
He accused the officers of corruption and warned that such treatment risked driving tourists away from the country.
The tourist later shared a follow-up video saying Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi had contacted him personally, apologised for the incident and assured him that action would be taken against those involved.
Responding to the incident on Sunday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the force does not tolerate unprofessional conduct and confirmed that steps would be taken against the officers implicated. Said Comm. Nyathi:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the social media incident involving police officers in Chipinge and does not condone unprofessional conduct by members.
“The Police Command is therefore taking action with a view to continuously giving the public quality service and diligently adhere to policing values and courtesy as outlined in the Zimbabwe Republic Police Client Service Charter.
“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the tourist for bringing this incident to attention.”
The Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaning Mangwana, said the Government of Zimbabwe places paramount importance on the country’s international image and expects all officials, including those manning roadblocks, to act accordingly.
He commended Rwodzi for personally reaching out to the South African tourist, adding that Zimbabweans must collectively commit to projecting the positive and progressive nation they aspire to be.
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