Farai Dziva|ZRP cops in the ancient city of Masvingo are allegedly demanding cash bribes to allow residents to get into the city centre during the lockdown.

The ZRP cops are reportedly targeting pedestrians and cyclists. It is said they are demanding cash ranging from RTGS $10 to $ 20.

“I wanted to go to town to buy mealie meal and as I approached Benjamin Burombo Building, I was confronted by two cops who demanded cash so that they would allow me to proceed to the city centre.

I told them that I didn’t not have the money and they forced me to return home,” said a resident of Rujeko Suburb.

“On Tuesday, I was nearly beaten up by cops at the Chevron Hotel footpath because I refused to pay the sum of RTGS $ 10 they were demanding,” said another resident.

Asked to comment on the matter, Masvingo Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Charity Mazula said she would report the matter to her superiors.

The residents of the ancient city have also complained about rampant police brutality.