Heavy police presence in the capital defines holiday spirit

By Tererai Karimakwenda
27 December 2005

The presence of uniformed police on all major roads leading into the capital and in the central business district has defined the mood of this year’s holiday season. Harare residents told us they feel as though they are living in a military state. There are roadblocks at many locations where the police are searching and interviewing people, and this has kept many from travelling. Minibus operators are also keeping their vehicles parked in order to avoid paying bribes to the police, who often demand the so-called “money for coca-cola”.

Our correspondent Simon Muchemwa reports that fear and paranoia have kept people home for the holidays, and combined with the transportation blues, it has been a sombre holiday period. Muchemwa said cars are being pulled over and searched at roadblocks on many roads. The police are demanding bribes from drivers and passengers alike. In some cases, interrogations are being conducted at the roadside. Minibus operators not willing to pay bribes to keep their vehicles on the road are reported to have parked them till the pressure eases up.

As for the cost of transport, fares from Chitungwiza are as high as

Z $50,000. Commuters from nearby suburbs like Hatfield and Mbare are being charged Z $30,000. Muchemwa said a litre of fuel is selling for over Z $100,000. But different operators are charging different fares, and there is no consistency from day to day.