Sten Zvorwadza
By Dickson Bandera
NAVUZ Chairperson Sten Zvorwadza has criticized the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), describing its Zero-Tolerance Policy on corruption as nothing more than a hollow public relations slogan.
In a strongly worded statement, Zvorwadza accused the police of turning a blind eye to formal complaints and allowing rogue officers to harass vendors with impunity. He called for urgent reforms and meaningful engagement to tackle misconduct within the force.
His comments come amid growing allegations of extortion where vendors allege routine harassment, extortion, and abuse at the hands of police officers.
Despite repeated reports and appeals for dialogue, Zvorwadza said the ZRP has failed to act decisively or engage stakeholders in good faith.
Following the recent arrest of two police officers over extorting vendors, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, reiterating that the Commissioner-General does not condone corruption and will ensure the law is applied impartially.
“Reference is made to a video which went viral on social media, in which a female police officer is seen accepting bribes from suspects while seated on a plastic chair at Parkade Rank, at the corner of Nelson Mandela and Rezende Streets in Harare’s Central Business District.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that Constables Mupandira and Chirengendure have been arrested. They are facing both disciplinary and criminal charges.
“The Commissioner-General of Police does not condone corruption by any police officer and will ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour,” read the statement.
But Zvorwadza insisted that genuine commitment to tackling corruption must go beyond public pronouncements.
“If the ZRP truly upheld a zero-tolerance policy, why have our official complaints, letters, and calls for dialogue been met with silence and deliberate inaction?”
“This claim is a hollow mantra, unbacked by tangible actions. If ZRP truly upheld a zero-tolerance policy, then why have our official complaints, letters, and calls for dialogue been met with silence and deliberate inaction? Why do rogue officers continue to terrorize vendors nightly—extorting bribes, confiscating goods, and abusing their authority with impunity? Quizzed Zvorwadza.
He further said police was supposed to launch immediate investigations, real-time disciplinary action, open engagement with stakeholders like NAVUZ, and internal cleansing.
“This “zero-tolerance” rhetoric is nothing more than a public relations shield used to deflect scrutiny while the rot festers beneath. Genuine commitment would involve immediate investigations, real-time disciplinary action, open engagement with stakeholders like NAVUZ, and internal cleansing. Until that happens, ZRP’s claim remains an insult to the truth and a betrayal to the informal economy,” he said.
Zvorwadza suggested a six-point reform plan aimed at curbing corruption and rebuilding trust between the police and informal traders.
At the top of the list is the establishment of an independent anti-corruption complaints unit that includes vendor representation, ensuring that grievances are properly documented and acted upon.
He also proposed the deployment of undercover internal affairs officers in known harassment hotspots, the use of body cameras on patrols in high-density areas, and public disclosure of disciplinary outcomes involving officers found guilty of misconduct.
“These reforms are essential if the ZRP is serious about change,” Zvorwadza said.
“We need transparency, accountability, and structured engagement—not more empty slogans.”
The proposed reforms also include anti-corruption training tailored for officers interacting with informal traders, as well as a formalized dialogue mechanism between ZRP and NAVUZ. This would include quarterly public reports on the progress of investigations and reforms.
“We are not asking for favors—we are demanding protection, fairness, and justice as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Zvorwadza added, warning that without urgent structural reforms, the situation will only worsen.
