Mnangagwa spot-on on police roadblocks

Source: Mnangagwa spot-on on police roadblocks – DailyNews Live

8 June 2017

HARARE – Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa was on-point when he ordered
Home Affairs minister Ignatius Chombo and his Tourism counterpart Walter
Mzembi to urgently meet and address concerns raised over numerous police
roadblocks.

Mnangagwa on Tuesday said he was aware that the issue of roadblocks has
been raised by a number of tourists.

In underlining government commitment to the free movement of tourists and
the need to ensure their safety, he urged the two ministries to sit down
to determine how the need for the safety and movement of tourists can be
guaranteed.

This was after at least 10 000 tourists had complained about the numerous
police roadblocks in Zimbabwe and the rough treatment they received at the
hands of the uniformed forces.

While the role of the police in maintaining peace and security is
appreciated, the presence of so many police officers on the road projects
an image of high risk and insecurity, components which do not auger well
for Zimbabwe’s brand.

Over the past few years, there have been complaints over the
ever-increasing number of roadblocks and the extortionist tendency of some
officers manning the checkpoints, but nothing has changed. In fact, the
roadblocks have risen in number in the past few months.

What makes this situation very irking is that the 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 voices,
making the roadblock issue a national concern.

As such, 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 battered economy
and tattered brand, and 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 are also a
threat to local motorists and one would be forgiven for thinking
government’s silence on illegal spot fines and copious roadblocks proves
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 the country.

The success of the tourism sector is largely a function of related
ministries such as Home Affairs, and Transport and Infrastructural
Development. It is, therefore, important that these ministries play their
part in a way that enhances business.