Staff Reporter
A Harare motorist, Marvin Tapiwa Chigumbura, has blown the whistle on what he describes as a coordinated extortion scheme involving City Parking Pvt Ltd officials, municipal authorities, and opportunistic touts in the Central Business District (CBD).
Chigumbura’s ordeal, which mirrors complaints from dozens of frustrated drivers, highlights systemic corruption and predatory tactics targeting compliant motorists.
Chigumbura recounted on Facebook how his vehicle was illegally clamped last week despite adhering to all parking regulations.
“I paid for my parking, my licence was up-to-date, and I didn’t overlap any lines. But when I returned, my car was clamped. The marshals claimed someone had been washing my car in the bay. But there was no water, no soap—just a bucket of dirty water planted nearby. It’s a blatant lie to justify fines," said Chigumbura.
City parking marshals allegedly demanded a US$60 fine or a “negotiated” US$20–US$30 bribe to release his vehicle.
Chigumbura refused, insisting he had no interaction with touts offering car-washing services.
“They threatened to call a tow truck, which would have cost me over US$200—more than a month’s salary for some. I had no choice but to pay the bribe,” he said.
The scam, according to Chigumbura, relies on collusion between touts and City Parking officials. Touts loiter near parked cars, often pressuring drivers to accept unsolicited car-washing services.
Refusal triggers a trap as officials later clamp vehicles, falsely alleging bylaw breaches.
“The touts vanish, and officials blame you for ‘employing’ them. It’s a rigged game,” he explained.
Chigumbura has vowed to challenge the clamp scam publicly, urging affected drivers to document abuses. “We can’t let them bully us. Share your stories, keep receipts, and expose these thieves,” he said.
Two other motorists confirmed the racket. Tinashe Madede, a regular CBD visitor, described similar harassment.
“They will splash a bit of soapy water near your tyres and claim you allowed washing. Last month, I paid $US25 to avoid a tow. These people are ruthless. Until someone high up cracks down, we are just ATMs to them,” he said.
Maria Rupondo, a vendor operating near Nelson Mandela Avenue, accused touts of controlling entire blocks.
"From Julius Nyerere to 4th Street, they block drivers from paying City Parking directly. You pay the tout, but the council still slaps you with ‘debts’. It’s organised crime,” she said.
The allegations point to deeper dysfunction within Harare’s parking enforcement.
Critics argue City Parking and the Harare City Council prioritise revenue over service delivery, with officials reportedly given daily cash targets.
“This isn’t about order—it’s a cash cow. Officials make hundreds daily in bribes. When will they audit these people’s lifestyles?” argued frustrated motorists, Terrence Marambanyika.
Motorists also note that council fines often double police penalties for similar offences, incentivising corruption.
Neither City Parking nor the Harare City Council responded to requests for comment.
