THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says there are some bad apples within its ranks who do not work within set boundaries adding that bogus cops had compounded the situation in the force.
BATANAI MUTASA OWN CORRESPONDENT Police spokesperson Charity Charamba made the concession on ZBC’s Media Watch on Monday night, insisting there were bogus officers who tarnished the force’s image.
“Some of these people are not even police officers, so I am also warning the public to be alert that in some cases some of the people that you report as police officers are actually not,” she said.
“But in any case, if that person happens to be a police officer, he is a bad apple and should be reported.”
Members of the ZRP have been criticised for causing loss of lives and property through excessive use of force and unorthodox methods when on duty.
Recently, unconfirmed reports claimed police fired teargas triggering a stampede which killed 11 people at Walter Magaya’s Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries crusade at Mbizo Stadium, Kwekwe.
The police denied using any teargas, but said a vendor’s gas canister had burst, causing the panic.
Cops have been accused of engaging in dangerous running battles with commuter omnibus operators, throwing spikes and smashing windows.
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Charamba said the police were now only to carry batons when controlling crowds and would no longer be allowed to use them at will.
“Tell me if you have seen that happening of late,” she shot back.
On the issue of spot fines, Charamba said any fine not exceeding $20 was supposed to be paid instantly, as it was difficult to follow up on such fines.
“The cost of tracing a motorist who has breached an offence for $5 actually exceeds $5, so it is important that if you don’t want to pay a fine of $5 or $10, make sure your vehicle is in good condition,” she added.
