Source: Does Zim need all these roadblocks? – DailyNews Live
2 March 2017
HARARE – Reports this week that over 10 000 tourists have complained about
the numerous police roadblocks in Zimbabwe and the rough treatment they
received from the uniformed forces is a matter of national concern.
This does not only put a dent on the tourism industry – one of the few
sectors that are still growing in Zimbabwe – but also positions the
country on a bad spot.
Who in his right senses would want to visit a country where they are
constantly harassed and intimidated by the police for merely being a
tourist?
While we appreciate the role of the police in maintaining peace and
security, the presence of so many police officers on the roads projects an
image of insecurity and high risk, which again does not auger well for
Zimbabwe’s brand.
Over the past few years, complaints over the ever-increasing number of
roadblocks and the extortionist tendency of officers manning police
checkpoints have been raised, but nothing has changed. If anything, the
roadblocks have increased in number in the past few months.
Numerous complaints are coming from a diverse section of the public, among
them motorists, passengers, tourists, tourism players and business
organisations.
Legislators and some government officials have also added their voice,
making the roadblock issue a national concern.
As such, the government must come up with a strategy that strikes a
balance between policing and the need to increase tourist arrivals,
because, as it stands, the two are working at variance.
Zimbabwe needs all the tourists it can get to improve its economy and its
brand, which are in tatters and the government cannot afford to be this
indifferent on a matter that keeps on being raised.
Not only are these police officers a menace to tourists but they are also
a threat to local motorists and one would be forgiven for thinking the
government’s silence on illegal spot fines and copious roadblocks proves
that this is a fund-raising initiative.
The time is now ripe for government and other concerned stakeholders to
put an end to this madness that is threatening the ease of doing business
in Zimbabwe.
Already, some countries such as Tanzania and Kenya have reduced the number
of police roadblocks after realising their negative consequences.
Why can’t we do the same?
People begin to suspect there is a sinister move by the Home Affairs
ministry to frustrate Tourism minister Walter Mzembi’s $5 billion tourism
industry dream.
COMMENTS
What the roadblocks demonstrate more than anything else is that we have an incredibly stupid and stubborn government which will not listen to advice from anyone including its own High Court, several government ministers, many MP’s and the media.
Very few are in fact ‘roadblocks’ – they are mostly examples of police irresponsibly interrupting the flow of traffic without any warning of their presence, and often in dangerous situations with the intended purpose of catching motorists by surprise. It’s amateurish law enforcement at its worst and has by now successfully demonstrated to the world at large that this country is under the control of incompetent cretins.
Any excuse that roadblocks are about law and order is immediately invalidated by the fact that almost all “free” countries manage to do without them. One can drive many thousands of kilometers in South Africa without ever seeing a roadblock.
ZRP have taken to seeing their traffic policing mandate as a mandate to make a profit out of every person they can lay their hands on. This goes to the heart of the fact that Zimbabwe has no legitimate government. The police force of an undemocratic government robbing citizens and foreigners alike.
It is interesting to see ZRP members fining motorists for going through an orange light and then when the power fails and the light stop working they walk away instead of directing traffic as they should. This is a perfect illustration/proof of the fact that they are only about the money.
This matter should not be cause for concern only when foreigners are attacked in this way. Zimbabweans too feel as assaulted.
The answer is don’t go there. If you do – Leave at 3am in the morning – ZRP by this time will be fast asleep fueled on liquor, mbanje and whores of the night from their rich pickings of the day before.
By late afternoon the next shift will arrive from the shabeen pissed up and looking for their share for the night.
Good idea is to travel the back roads when possible at this time of the day, otherwise face the thieves at your peril.
Ruins to zero status and off the map!