A video of a tourist clashing with traffic cops in Bulawayo’s CBD has set social media ablaze igniting anger, debate, and fresh questions about police conduct on the country’s roads.
The short clip, filmed by another motorist, shows the visibly frustrated tourist arguing with officers after his InDrive driver was fined for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign.
The visitor, whose name has not been revealed, insists the driver had in fact stopped accusing the cops of wrongdoing.
Within hours, the video went viral, drawing thousands of comments and sparking a heated national debate.
Many netizens accused traffic officers of being heavy-handed or worse, corrupt while others defended the police, saying the full story might not be as clear-cut.
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) quickly stepped into the storm.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.
“Reference is made to a viral video circulating on social media platforms in which a tourist raises concerns regarding a road traffic offence in Bulawayo CBD.
“The ZRP confirms that investigations are being conducted to find out what truly transpired. More details will be released in due course,” said Nyathi.
He reiterated that the ZRP maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward corruption.
“Any officer found on the wrong side of the law will face disciplinary and criminal action. No one is above the law,” he said.
But on social media, netizens were having none of it.
Many questioned why investigations only seem to move swiftly when a murungu (white foreigner) complains.
One frustrated X user wrote:
“We complain about these things every single day. You only act now because a tourist spoke up? Just do the right thing!”
Another fumed:
“You wait for foreigners to complain? This is daily life for Zimbabwean drivers.”
Others pointed to the real problem the endless roadblocks and spot fines.
“These officers linger after stop signs just to extort motorists. It’s not enforcement it’s fundraising,” one user said.
Some called for an overhaul of the system altogether:
“End spot fines. Issue proper tickets. Let people pay at stations not on the roadside. That’s the only way to end this corruption.”
