Mugabe criticizes corruption in Zimbabwe's police

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Saturday slammed corruption in the police force and implored the force to serve the people and shun greed.

He said the police should stop extorting money from motorists at roadblocks and those interested in running businesses should do so in a legitimate way.

Mugabe's remarks followed public outcry over perceived police corruption, especially at roadblocks on the country's roads and highways.

The tourism sector has also raised concern over the numerous police roadblocks, saying they were inconveniencing tourists and hurting the industry.

Mugabe said members of the police force operating commuter omnibuses should organize themselves and start a proper bus company, noting that some of the omnibuses get involved in fatal accidents.

Road accidents are common in Zimbabwe and some of the accidents involve commuter omnibuses, one of the major forms of public transport in the country.

"Be a police force of the people and stop that evil (of extorting money from motorists at roadblocks)," Mugabe said while addressing mourners at the burial of Mbuya Maud Muzenda, widow of late Zimbabwean Vice President Simon Muzenda, and veteran freedom fighter George Rutanhire, at the National Heroes Acre.

Mugabe exhorted members of the police force to engage in dignified business activities.