Back to Mugabe’s era with new Commissioner-General, he instructed Police to mount more roadblocks and impounds vehicles

Zimbabwean motorists are expressing mounting frustration over a dramatic increase in roadside spot checks since the appointment of new police chief, Commissioner-General Stephen Mutamba.

Many are drawing parallels to the heavy-handed policing tactics prevalent during the final years of Robert Mugabe’s rule, a period remembered for its controversial and often arbitrary enforcement of traffic regulations.

Commissioner-General Mutamba’s recent assumption of office has been accompanied by a significant intensification of traffic enforcement. This has resulted in a surge in roadside inspections, focusing on seemingly minor infractions such as the presence of breakdown triangles, reflector vests, and fire extinguishers. These intensified checks have been widely condemned by drivers as excessive and disruptive.

“In Harare, there’s now a roadblock at every 5 to 10 kilometers,” Stan Mudimu told Kukurigo.

“This disrupts productivity and negatively impacts business and tourism. While roadblocks are necessary, the current frequency is unreasonable.”

The increased frequency of these stops has inadvertently created a new economic opportunity for vendors who now sell the required safety equipment at intersections, capitalising on the increased demand.

Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi defended the intensified enforcement, referring to it as “Operation No to Mushikashika, Pirate Taxis, and Lawlessness on the Roads.”

In a January 10th statement, Nyathi explained: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police notes and appreciates the varied comments on social media by the public and interested groups. The operation targets motorists causing congestion, using illegal routes, and operating without proper permits or vehicle fitness.”

He further warned against attempts to evade detection, such as removing registration plates, and stressed that police would take action against reckless driving and bribery.

Despite Commissioner-General Mutamba’s pledges to modernise the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and combat corruption through technological advancements, many motorists feel these promises are yet to materialise. “We feel targeted rather than protected,” said Tatenda Moyo, another Harare motorist. “These endless checks are less about safety and more about raising revenue. If safety were the priority, there would be an equally heightened focus on fixing traffic lights and roads.”

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, shed light on the instructions given to officers on the ground: “Officers have been instructed to enforce every traffic regulation, from fire extinguishers to triangles, even if it means stopping and searching every car. This includes imposing spot fines, confiscating driver’s licenses, impounding vehicles, or escorting drivers to the station until the fines are paid.”

This approach has drawn sharp criticism, with concerns raised about its impact on international tourism and its failure to address wider systemic issues within Zimbabwe’s transport sector. The government’s long-standing promise of an electronic traffic management system, first proposed at the turn of the millennium, remains unfulfilled.

This system, intended to streamline enforcement, reduce corruption, and minimise the reliance on numerous manual checkpoints, was discussed as far back as 2017 by then-Home Affairs Minister Ignatius Chombo, who outlined its potential to integrate key agencies like the ZRP, Vehicle Inspection Department (VID), CMED, and ZINARA tollgates.

However, years later, the reality remains a landscape of frequent roadblocks, some of which have been exposed in court cases as fraudulent operations run by corrupt officers using spikes and fake fine books to extort drivers. While the police maintain a focus on safety, many Zimbabweans view the current system as punitive and outdated, highlighting the need for reforms that prioritise fairness and efficiency.

The increased roadblocks are not the only significant change within the ZRP under Commissioner-General Mutamba. A significant internal restructuring is underway, described by sources within the force as a sweeping purge. Officers perceived as loyal to the recently retired Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga are reportedly being quietly transferred to less influential positions, while those seen as aligned with Mutamba are being promoted to key roles.

These transfers, affecting ranks from Superintendent to Commissioner, are being handled with unusual secrecy, deviating from established police protocol. “Police officers wake up in the morning to see a new Police boss. This is how secretive Mutamba’s appointments are taking place,” revealed an internal source. The lack of formal announcements has fuelled speculation and concern within the force.

Among the most significant moves is the reinstatement of Commissioner Crispen Charumbira to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) after a period of reassignment following past allegations of misconduct (subsequently cleared). Speculation suggests he is being groomed for a senior position.

Other notable transfers include Commissioner Nyabasa to Matabeleland North, Commissioner Nyirenda to Mashonaland Central, and several others to various positions across the country. The timing and nature of these transfers have led to speculation linking the reshuffle to internal political factions within Zanu-PF and the party’s 2030 agenda. The situation remains fluid, with the impact of Commissioner-General Mutamba’s leadership still unfolding. The increased roadblocks and internal restructuring within the ZRP have combined to create a climate of uncertainty and discontent among many Zimbabweans.