Harare, Zimbabwe – The Harare City Council has issued a warning to the public about impostors posing as municipal police officers, following a recent incident where a cross-border trucker was robbed near Mitchell Cotts in Mbare by individuals claiming to be council officers.
Councillor Jane Bhingari, chairperson of the Health, Disaster, Risk Management and Public Safety committee, emphasized that the City of Harare does not have municipal police or traffic officers who operate without council uniforms. “No one should receive a ticket from someone without a uniform, even if they produce an identity card,” she said.
Bhingari urged motorists to be vigilant and ignore anyone purporting to be part of the municipal police force if they are not wearing council uniform. She also warned council employees that they will face disciplinary action, including termination, if caught conducting patrols without uniform.
The council has a binding by-law that requires municipal police and traffic enforcement officers to wear uniforms while on duty. The public is advised to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.