By a Correspondent
City Parking has been forced to issue a public apology following widespread outrage over what many have described as an inhumane response by one of its parking marshals who clamped a vehicle while a mother was attending to her critically ill child in Harare’s central business district.
The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, involved a woman who had stopped her vehicle to administer emergency oxygen to her five-year-old son after he experienced a medical emergency while they were travelling through the city centre.
According to witnesses, the mother parked her vehicle urgently in order to provide life-saving assistance to the child. However, moments later, a City Parking marshal clamped the vehicle despite being informed of the circumstances.
Efforts by the distressed mother and concerned members of the public to persuade the marshal to remove the clamp or exercise discretion reportedly fell on deaf ears, fuelling anger among onlookers.
The incident quickly went viral online, with many Zimbabweans condemning what they viewed as a lack of compassion and humanity by parking enforcement officials. Social media users questioned whether revenue collection had been prioritised over the wellbeing of a sick child.
The growing public backlash prompted City Parking to issue an apology late at night, acknowledging the seriousness of the incident.
“City Parking deeply regrets the distressing incident that occurred involving a mother and her child who required urgent emergency help. We acknowledge the seriousness of the matter and the public concern it has generated,” the company said in a statement.
The company said it had launched an investigation into the matter and pledged to take appropriate action once the inquiry is completed.
“City Parking is committed to ensuring that all our staff conduct themselves professionally and with sensitivity in situations involving emergencies. The matter is currently under investigation and appropriate action will be taken,” the statement added.
The incident has reignited debate over the conduct of parking enforcement officials and the need for greater compassion when dealing with motorists facing emergencies.
Critics say while parking regulations are necessary for orderly traffic management, officials must be empowered to exercise judgment and humanity in exceptional circumstances, particularly where health and safety are at risk.
As investigations continue, many residents are calling on City Parking to review its enforcement procedures to ensure similar incidents do not occur in future.
