Municipal Police Not Allowed To Work Without Uniforms: Harare Residents Told To Report Corrupt Council Cops

Harare Residents Warned: Municipal Police Must Wear Uniforms On Duty

Harare residents have been informed that municipal police officers are not permitted to perform their duties without wearing their full uniforms. The City of Harare advised residents to immediately report any municipal police officer who is not in full uniform.

The city issued the advisory in a public notice dated 28 August 2025.

Uniforms a must

In the statement, the local authority emphasised that all municipal police officers must wear their full uniform while on duty.

The City of Harare said:

“Our municipal police officers – traffic and compliance – are compelled to wear their uniforms when on duty. Under no circumstances are they allowed to execute their duties without their uniforms unless if it is a special operation targeting illegal taxi/transport operators (mishikashika).”

This means officers cannot stop, question, or fine residents unless they are in full uniform.

The only exception allowed is during designated special operations aimed at illegal transport operators, commonly known as mishikashika.

Residents urged to report impostors

According to the City of Harare, there has been a rise in individuals pretending to be municipal officers and extorting money from residents.

The statement read:

“We urge residents to immediately report to us any purported officials who approach you without their uniforms. Kindly demand their identification and even take pictures and videos so that the City of Harare takes appropriate action.”

The council also encouraged residents to be vigilant in the fight against corruption.

“There has also been an upsurge in criminals masquerading as municipal police officers who are harassing residents. Let’s work together to fight this menace.”

Contacts provided for complaints

In its notice, the City of Harare provided several contact persons for residents to lodge complaints or report suspicious activity.

The statement listed the following officials:

“For complaints please contact Mr Chendambuya on +263776304893, Mr Sabumba on 0773390787, and Ms Magenga on 0773464522. You can also contact our Corporate Communications Manager Mr Gama on +263772898090.”

The local authority concluded its message with a firm stance against corruption.