By a Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has ordered serving officers involved in the commuter transport business to withdraw from the sector, warning that those who defy the directive could face disciplinary action.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said serving police officers should not operate commuter omnibuses (kombis), arguing that involvement in the public transport sector creates a potential conflict of interest for law enforcement officers.
“Mapurisa haafaniri kuita maKombi (Police officers should not operate commuter omnibuses),” Nyathi said.
The directive comes amid longstanding concerns over the involvement of serving police officers in private businesses, particularly the public transport sector, where officers are also responsible for enforcing traffic laws and regulations.
Transport operators and commuters have previously raised concerns over alleged preferential treatment of vehicles linked to law enforcement officers, including claims that some police-owned or police-linked vehicles have been allowed to operate despite traffic or licensing violations.
The latest directive is intended to reinforce the principle that police officers must remain impartial when carrying out their law enforcement duties.
Provincial and district police commanders are expected to monitor compliance and identify serving members who continue to operate transport businesses, including through proxies or other arrangements.
Officers found to have breached the directive could face internal disciplinary proceedings.
The move is likely to be welcomed by sections of the transport industry and commuters who have long called for greater accountability and consistency in the enforcement of traffic regulations.
The ZRP’s position effectively places serving officers under pressure to choose between their police careers and direct involvement in the commuter transport business, as the force seeks to address potential conflicts of interest and restore public confidence in traffic enforcement.
