Zimbabwe police chiefs have shut down a massive corruption scandal involving their officers running illegal taxi businesses. The top brass discovered that cops were secretly operating minibus taxis and commuter buses without getting proper permission first. These police-owned vehicles were sailing through roadblocks without being stopped or checked like regular transport operators. The scandal broke after angry citizens complained about unfair competition and abuse of power. An official investigation proved that officers were breaking the rules on a large scale.
The police force launched a formal inquiry under old regulations from 1965 after public outrage reached boiling point. Investigators found that many officers were running transport companies against standing orders that ban private business ventures. The rules clearly state that police members cannot start businesses without approval from the top commander. Officers caught breaking these regulations face serious charges under the Police Act. A special board will decide additional punishments for rule breakers.
Police intelligence teams must track down officers still running transport operations and report them to provincial commanders. The memo warns that anyone defying the ban will face immediate disciplinary action. All provincial commanders received orders to confirm they got the message before noon on July 5th. The police service says it wants to rebuild public trust and protect its reputation. Officials admit they have a duty to maintain good relations with ordinary citizens.
The police force launched a formal inquiry under old regulations from 1965 after public outrage reached boiling point. Investigators found that many officers were running transport companies against standing orders that ban private business ventures. The rules clearly state that police members cannot start businesses without approval from the top commander. Officers caught breaking these regulations face serious charges under the Police Act. A special board will decide additional punishments for rule breakers.
Police intelligence teams must track down officers still running transport operations and report them to provincial commanders. The memo warns that anyone defying the ban will face immediate disciplinary action. All provincial commanders received orders to confirm they got the message before noon on July 5th. The police service says it wants to rebuild public trust and protect its reputation. Officials admit they have a duty to maintain good relations with ordinary citizens.
