By A Concerned Observer

Harare’s Municipal Police licensing and investigation department, along with senior officers across various city departments, is embroiled in widespread corruption. Many businesses in Harare’s Central Business District (CBD) are operating without the necessary licenses and fail to meet required safety and regulatory standards. These businesses lack basic documentation such as fire extinguishers, medical examination certificates, food handler certificates, and proper emergency exit routes. In fact, over 80% of the buildings converted into shops do not meet the city’s bylaws.

Internal investigations have revealed that Chief Inspector Mavhunda, along with his associates, Sergeant Muvhuri and Pahwaringira, are exploiting their positions by victimizing anyone who either attempts to report violations or seeks information on required business documentation. These officers are targeting individuals who either pass through the area on official duty or simply visit to shop.

Many of Harare’s shopping malls, such as Dubai Mall, Bush House Mall, Cameroon Street, and Reliance Mall, operate with little or no proper licenses. The situation is particularly alarming at Reliance Mall and Infinx Mall, where municipal police officers allegedly visit every Tuesday to collect bribes from shop owners who lack the necessary documentation. It is believed that large sums of money are being pocketed by these officers, enabling businesses to continue operating unlawfully.

Harare City Council is losing significant revenue due to these corrupt practices. Officers must be better trained and equipped to handle the demands of modern business practices. It’s critical for the council to ensure that investigations are based on accurate information, with proper evidence collected and documented. The current system, with its reliance on vague or fabricated charges, is creating an environment where junior officers and others who disagree with senior staff are unfairly targeted.

The issue of illegal businesses and corrupt practices is deeply ingrained in the city’s operations. The situation is often summed up with the phrase, “Nzvimbo ndeyangu haibatwe” (meaning “This place is mine, no one should interfere or ask for documentation”).

It is hoped that Harare’s Mayor, Councillor J. Majume, will take decisive action and set up an independent investigation team to examine how businesses are being run in the CBD. The widespread victimization of officers and businesses must stop, and the illegal activities in the CBD, including the collection of bribes and the blessing of unlicensed operations, must be addressed.

There are qualified officers within the city’s ranks who could manage the licensing and investigation process effectively, but the current “elite” culture within the department has crippled the city’s ability to generate revenue. The municipal investigation department is now seen as a tool for the powerful to punish those who don’t align with their interests. This has led to a culture of intimidation, with the slogan “unoenda kufamba ukasatiteerera!” (you will be fired and sent home if you don’t listen to us).

Proper evidence is critical, and the lack of proper documentation linking offenders to crimes is making it difficult to hold individuals accountable. Cases are often lost due to hearsay, propaganda, and corruption, which are escalating problems in the city’s enforcement procedures. More details, including names of officers involved in collecting bribes, will follow as investigations continue.