Bulawayo Kombi Bribes: Police Collect US$600 000 Every Month
A shocking report has exposed that Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers in Bulawayo are allegedly collecting over US$600 000 (R11.2 million) per month in bribes from kombi operators. According to the Southern Eye, municipal police are also accused of running their own bribery racket, pocketing around US$60 000 (R1.1 million) monthly, fuelling what is described as a “shadow economy” that has crippled the long-delayed Egodini Mall project.
How the bribes are collected
The report says the scheme is run through a network of so-called “Bag Men” who collect daily payments from kombi operators on behalf of uniformed officers. This method allows law enforcement to avoid direct involvement while still reaping illicit gains.
Sources within the industry told the publication:
“Each vehicle is expected to pay at least US$10 (R187) per day in bribes to operate unhindered.”
Drivers described a routine where on the Cowdray Park route alone, operators encounter three police roadblocks and must pay US$3 (R56) at each stop — a total of US$9 (R168) per trip.
The report states that with more than 100 kombis on that single route, police officers allegedly pocket nearly US$1 000 per day from Cowdray Park operators alone. If a kombi refuses to pay, it is reportedly impounded and only released after a hefty fine.
Municipal police are accused of charging an extra US$1 (R19) per day from each kombi for using illegal pick-up points, while rank marshals at busy areas such as 6th Avenue demand US$3 (R56) per day.
The calculations suggest ZRP officers are amassing US$22 000 daily, which translates to over US$600 000 (R11.2 million) monthly, while municipal officers collect about US$2 000 (R37 400) daily, totalling US$60 000 (R1.1 million) monthly.
Egodini Mall project undermined
The revelations have derailed efforts to centralise transport operations at the refurbished Egodini Mall, where legal fees are just US$2 (R37) a day. Operators, however, avoid the facility, preferring to pay bribes that allow them to operate freely across the city.
A commuter told the paper:
“We’re sick and tired. Sixth Avenue is a nightmare. We can’t even walk freely anymore, and the city fathers are doing nothing.”
Another driver added:
“We want proper enforcement, not this chaos. Kombis should be forced to use Egodini, and money should go to the government, not people’s pockets.”
City officials respond
Bulawayo Apex Committee chairperson, Busani Ngwenya, representing kombi operators, advised members to comply with legal requirements.
“We always encourage our members to get all necessary documentation, VID fitness certificates, route permits, and operating licences,” he said.
Deputy mayor Edwin Ndlovu urged operators to provide evidence of corruption.
“Those with evidence of the accusations should bring evidence so that the council will act upon such information,” Ndlovu stated.
The Bulawayo police referred questions to national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who could not be reached for comment.
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