HARARE – A South African tourist who was fined at a police roadblock in Chipinge has received a personal apology from tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi after he complained about the incident in a viral video, prompting a review by police officials.
George Van Deventer was driving a pick-up truck towing a caravan to the Eastern Highlands when he was stopped at a roadblock in Chipinge. Police fined him US$30 after allegedly finding that he did not have the required four reflective warning triangles for a vehicle towing a trailer.
After reaching Chimanimani, an upset Van Deventer recorded a video appealing to the ministers of police and tourism, accusing officers of targeting foreign motorists while ignoring local drivers committing other traffic violations.
“These guys came directly to the window and said, ‘do you have four triangles?’ That immediately said to me this is an old trick,” he said in the video.
“Unfortunately I had three triangles, other guys had two triangles and they fined us $30 each.
“The problem I have with this roadblock is not fining us, but two other police officers watched local cars passing by and never stopped them to ask for triangles or licences; many were not wearing seat belts, and yet these guys are saying they are there to enforce the law.
“This bull*** needs to stop, this is the one thing that chases people away from a country, doing tourism unbelievable damage: corrupt police officials.”
Van Deventer said he had asked officers to “educate us, give us a warning” but was told to familiarise himself with the law, which the officer said requires four triangles when towing.
Within hours of posting the video online, Van Deventer said he received a call from Rwodzi, who apologised for the incident. The minister later travelled to meet him and his team from Trans Africa Self Drive Adventures and Tours.
In a statement, the ministry of tourism said Rwodzi “personally apologised for the inconveniences they encountered during their tour, stressing government’s position that tourists must enjoy their experiences without disturbance.”
Van Deventer welcomed the gesture, saying: “If you think Zimbabwe is not serious about tourism then think again. We were so humbled by her visit.”
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the incident was under review and announced retraining measures for officers.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The ZRP has noted with concern the social media incident involving police officers in Chipinge and does not condone unprofessional conduct by members.
“The police command is therefore taking action with a view of continuously giving the public quality service and diligently adhering to policing values and courtesy as outlined in the ZRP client service charter.”
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