The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), together with municipal police authorities, have launched a high-profile crackdown on motorists in Harare, with critics alleging that the campaign is aimed at raising funds for Zanu PF’s upcoming October conference in Mutare. Sources say the ruling party is targeting at least US$5 million for the high-stakes gathering, which is expected to be dominated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s succession battle.
The conference has become a focal point for internal party tensions. Loyalists of President Mnangagwa are reportedly lobbying for him to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional limit in 2028. Meanwhile, a rival faction aligned with the military is backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to take over the reins of the party and, eventually, the presidency. Against this backdrop, the latest crackdown has raised concerns over the use of state resources to fund party politics.
Reports indicate that police officers and Harare municipal authorities have intensified roadblocks and patrols across the city. Motorists are being stopped for minor traffic infractions, often being charged steep spot fines ranging from US$120 to US$200. Common violations include parking in undesignated areas, using mobile phones while driving, failing to observe stop signs, and not producing valid driving licences.
Officers are reportedly using both official and unmarked private vehicles to conduct operations, extending their reach from the central business district to suburban neighborhoods. Drivers have expressed frustration over the impounding of vehicles, which requires them to provide registration books and proof of ownership before retrieval, adding further delays and financial burdens.
Police Crackdown on Motorists Sparks Outcry Amid Zanu PF Fundraising Drive
Residents have taken to WhatsApp and other social media platforms to alert each other about the crackdown. One widely shared message read:
“Hi all. Please let’s be advised – Council & ZRP are on full force around Harare. Roadside parking on undesignated points, being on the phone while driving, licenses, failing to observe stop signs, etc., are some of the issues they are targeting. For 1 to be out of council, you will have to release about $120 to $200. Also, these guys are using private cars and sometimes council patrol cars. Their target is not limited to the CBD, even suburban areas. If the council impound your car, they will need a car book and owner ID for the process to start. So let’s all be warned.”
The messages underline growing public unease, with many motorists viewing the exercise as less about road safety and more about raising cash for the ruling party.
Analysts note that the current strategy echoes tactics employed during the late Robert Mugabe era, when police chief Augustine Chihuri turned the ZRP into a de facto revenue-generating machine for Zanu PF. Police stations were given daily revenue targets, with a substantial portion of funds funnelled directly into party coffers.
During Zanu PF’s intense factional wars, revenue extracted from motorists and local businesses was channelled to support the G40 faction in its struggle against the Lacoste camp, a battle that ultimately helped propel Mnangagwa to power. The current crackdown appears to revive a similar model, demonstrating how the party continues to mobilise state institutions to support internal political agendas.
Critics argue that the latest drive is emblematic of how ordinary Zimbabweans continue to bear the brunt of political manoeuvring. “People are being targeted for minor infractions that ordinarily would result in warnings,” said a Harare resident who requested anonymity. “It’s clear that the system is being exploited to raise money for a party event while citizens are left to pay through the nose.”
Observers also highlight the broader implications for governance and public trust. When state organs are perceived to serve party interests rather than public welfare, confidence in law enforcement erodes, and civic frustration grows.
The October conference in Mutare is a critical event for Zanu PF, providing a platform for delegates to discuss succession strategies, party policies, and leadership transitions. Analysts say the party’s fundraising efforts through state instruments underscore the high stakes involved. With factions aligned to both President Mnangagwa and Vice President Chiwenga vying for influence, mobilising resources has become a priority for loyalists seeking to sway outcomes.
The crackdown on motorists also serves as a stark reminder of the continuity of entrenched practices in Zimbabwean politics, where state institutions are often co-opted for partisan purposes. For many, the exercise is a sign that the ruling party remains focused on consolidating power, even at the expense of ordinary citizens’ financial and personal security.
As the crackdown continues, residents are calling for greater accountability and transparency. There are growing demands for independent monitoring of police activities to ensure that enforcement is fair, proportionate, and free from political influence.
For now, motorists in Harare are navigating both the streets and a tense political landscape, with heavy fines and impounded vehicles becoming part of daily life. Whether the campaign succeeds in raising the targeted US$5 million remains to be seen, but the social and political costs are already evident.
Source- ZimEye
