DRUG addicts and peddlers have blamed corrupt police officers for abetting the proliferation of illegal drugs.
BY MUNESU NYAKUDYA
Recovering addicts and activists told a workshop organised by the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network held in Harare last week that “police officers demand bribes” instead of arresting those selling or using contraband.
“The police officers know people who sell drugs and places where they are sold, but arrest the wrong individuals.
“Drugs are being sold openly, especially in Mbare, and police are aware of it. In fact, they interact daily with the druglords,” a man, who claimed to be a recovering drug addict from one of Harare’s poorest suburbs, said.
He said police officers collected bribes from drug dealers, who were then allowed to go about their illicit trade without being molested.
A female drug addict said police officers used to bring her drugs in cells whenever she got arrested.
“Police officers offer people in detention drugs in exchange for bribes. If they stop doing that, this problem can be resolved,” she said, adding those arrested for peddling drugs were charged as little as $5 before being set-free.
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Speaking at the same event, a police officer, Petros Maenzanise admitted that rogue members of the force could be involved in such practices, but pointed out the possibility of criminals masquerading as police officers.
“Remember that there are bogus police officers, who are also operating. If somebody approaches you they should be identified by producing their identity cards. Don’t just let someone flash their identity card, maybe they would have stolen it,” Maenzaise said.
“We do not have the names and we do not even know who the dealers are. Give us the names, we have suggestion boxes, but nobody has used them to notify us”.
