By Takudzwa Tondoya
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has raised alarm over individuals posing as its officials on the country’s major highways reportedly extorting motorists under the guise of enforcing an anti-smuggling operation.
In a statement, ZACC Commissioner Kindness Paradza said the Commission is not conducting any roadside anti-smuggling enforcement and distanced itself from what it called a “dangerous and illegal scam.”
“These imposters are not only acting outside the law, but are also fleecing Zimbabweans of their hard-earned cash and damaging the credibility of legitimate law enforcement agencies,” Commissioner Paradza said.
The individuals, dressed in plain clothes or at times makeshift uniforms, have allegedly been stopping vehicles, especially those transporting goods and demanding money from drivers as fines for fictitious smuggling violations.
ZACC, whose mandate includes investigating and combating corruption said such actions not only constitute a serious crime but also undermine trust in public institutions.
“The Commission warns those behind this racket to cease these activities immediately. Anyone found impersonating law enforcement officers will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” he said
Impostors have been on the prowl targeting motorists on the country’s highways mainly the Harare-Masvingo and the Harare-Chirundu roads.
