Dear Editor,
I wish to raise serious concern over the continued harassment of motorists, pushcart operators and residents by Masvingo Municipal Police officers, whose conduct is increasingly making life difficult for ordinary people.

Why ambush residents instead of serving them? Masvingo is becoming a nightmare for motorists and residents who should be able to go about their daily activities without constantly fearing harassment by municipal enforcement officers.

Of particular concern is the practice of clamping vehicles late in the evening, sometimes under circumstances that make it difficult for motorists to notice parking restrictions.

Residents have complained about vehicles being clamped at night, with officers demanding US$20 for the release of each vehicle.

What is the justification for conducting such operations after normal business hours, particularly when the town is experiencing persistent electricity shortages?

Without adequate street lighting, motorists can hardly see road markings and parking restrictions. It is therefore unfair to punish residents for violations they may not even have been in a position to identify.

In most places, parking enforcement is conducted during clearly stipulated daytime hours, commonly between 8am and 5pm. Masvingo Municipal Authority must explain why its officers are conducting clamping operations late into the evening.

A vehicle was reportedly clamped at approximately 6.20pm along Hofmeyer Street. Such incidents raise legitimate questions about the timing, transparency and fairness of municipal enforcement operations.

Municipal police officers must be reminded that the primary responsibility of local authorities is to provide services, maintain order and improve the welfare of residents, not to create an atmosphere of fear and frustration.

While enforcing municipal by-laws is necessary, enforcement must be reasonable, transparent and considerate of the circumstances facing residents.

Revenue collection should never appear to take precedence over public service.

The harassment of pushcart operators and other informal traders also deserves urgent attention. People trying to earn an honest living should not be subjected to unnecessary intimidation.

We are not against the enforcement of municipal regulations. We are demanding fairness, accountability and respect for the people who sustain the city through their rates, taxes and daily economic activities.

Masvingo residents deserve a clean, organised and properly managed city, not one where municipal police officers appear to be constantly looking for opportunities to penalise them.

The city fathers must urgently investigate these complaints and provide clear guidelines on parking enforcement, particularly during evening hours when electricity outages compromise visibility.

Masvingo belongs to its residents. Municipal police must serve them, not terrorise them.

Concerned Masvingo Resident