It had to happen. Everyone I speak to has had the same experience – some more often than others. It happens all the time they say. So I was half expecting it – but it still came as a shock. I came out of the Central Railway Station late in the evening on December 27th. I was rushing to Paradox where I had arranged to meet my fellow jazz lover, Wilbert, to experience the Festival of Paranoia. I had my key ready in my hand and I made straight for the spot where I had left my bicycle, chained to those of my wife and daughter, a few hours previously.

It wasn’t there. Perhaps I had mistaken the spot? I searched all around. Then it hit me – yes my bicycle had been stolen. And my wife’s bicycle too. One bike remained, the chain lying broken beside it. I was furious! One of the bikes had been borrowed from my friend Boy Schuurmans for my daughter’s visit. How would I break the news to him? But there was nothing I could do – so I walked up to Paradox to enjoy myself.

In Zimbabwe, the crime rate has been soaring for years as unemployment and general hardships increase. Vehicles are the main target. Car-jackings occur daily, often in broad daylight and at gun or knife-point.

I was delighted to learn that I did not have to go to the police station, but could report the theft of my bicycles on-line. Within a few minutes of making the report I had an email in reply! I was amazed. Even more amazing was that the very next morning I received a letter in the post confirming my report!

I dread going to police stations. In Zimbabwe it is an ordeal. The police force is totally corrupt and unprofessional. In order to keep their jobs, they have to support the ruling Zanu (PF) party enthusiastically at all times. Recently, when a well-known human rights lawyer was hi-jacked in Harare, she was beaten and locked up by the policemen on duty when she tried to report the incident! In many cases the police are actually involved in the crimes that have been committed.

The Police Act governing the Zimbabwe Republic Police, stipulates that members of the police force are not allowed to participate in politics. In spite of this, Police Commissioner, Augustine Chihuri, is an avowed card-carrying Zanu (PF) supporter who makes no secret of his enthusiastic membership of the ruling party. He has faithfully ensured that the entire police force toes the Zanu (PF) line. In fact, he has gone so far as to promise openly to “crush” the MDC for its part in organising public protests such as strikes and stayaways. He has also personally instigated a purge of any police officer who is not loyal to the ruling party.

To make matters worse, a special constabulary was established a few years ago to provide employment for thousands of Zanu (PF) supporters – many of them illiterate. As you can imagine - this makes it extremely difficult for them to record a statement or to do any administrative work at all! Basically they are used to terrorize innocent civilians. I would rather deal with the police in Tilburg any day!


All columns by Wilf Mbanga

Wilf Mbanga, one of the founders of the independent Zimbabwean daily newspaper "The Daily News", is currently living in Tilburg, the Netherlands. He writes about the differences between Tilburg and Harare. His column is printed weekly in "Het Brabants Dagblad".