By Tapiwa Svondo
THE City of Harare (CoH) has issued a warning to residents and ratepayers following an increase in reports of unscrupulous elements impersonating municipal officers and soliciting bribes.
This comes after the arrest of a suspect, Kevin Dube, who operated under the alias Kevin Muropa.
In a statement, CoH alleged that Dube engaged in fraudulent activities by demanding payments from business owners while claiming to enforce shop licensing regulations.
“Some individuals masquerading as CoH officers are roaming around the streets of Harare demanding bribes and fleecing residents of their hard-earned money.
“Following a number of complaints, our municipal police investigations team trapped and arrested one Kevin Dube who operates under the name Kevin Muropa.
“He has been carrying out bogus shop license enforcement activities using the name Kevin Muropa. He has since been handed over to the police,” said the municipality.
The local authority encouraged residents, who believe they might have fallen victim to Dube’s schemes, to come forward and report cases at Harare Central Police Station under Reference Number IR110664.
“Residents who fell victim to this man are advised to go and make a report at ZRP Harare Central Police Room 151.
“Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities by criminals claiming to be from the CoH. You are also encouraged to report and even record any demands for bribes from anyone claiming to be from the CoH.”