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The incident, which occurred on February 7, 2026, quickly escalated into a national talking point after the tourist posted a video online detailing his experience with officers manning the roadblock.
FROM “POLICE CORRUPTION AT ROADBLOCKS” TO A MINISTERIAL VISIT: Did a Viral Video Force Zimbabwe’s Tourism Boss Barbara Rwodzi to Step In as the Country Scrambles to Clean Its Image and Convince the World That Zimbabwe Is Truly Open for Business?
What happens when a tourism operator speaks out publicly about alleged police corruption — and the whole region starts watching?
In an unexpected turn, Barbara Rwodzi, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism, paid a visit to Trans Africa Self Drive Adventures and Tours, following a widely shared video by its founder George, who accused police officers at roadblocks of selective targeting and questionable fines.
The video didn’t just trend — it embarrassed.
For years, travelers and self-drive tourists have quietly complained about harassment, roadblock shakedowns, and inconsistent enforcement. This time, the complaint had a face, a voice, and a growing audience across Southern Africa.
And suddenly, the silence broke.
Instead of dismissing the claims, Zimbabwe’s tourism leadership moved fast — very fast. Ministers’ representatives, senior officials, and directors were brought into the conversation. The message shifted from denial to damage control.
Was this about fixing the system — or fixing the image?
According to those present, the visit focused on reassuring operators, restoring confidence, and repeating a now-familiar slogan: Zimbabwe is open for business. Friends to all. Enemies to none.
But critics are asking the hard questions:
Would this visit have happened without the viral video?
How many operators complained quietly and were ignored?
Is tourism reform real — or reactive?
Supporters argue that this is exactly how leadership should respond: listen publicly, act visibly, and engage directly when problems surface.
Either way, the signal is loud.
Zimbabwe knows tourism is watching.
The region is watching.
Social media is watching.
Domestic tourists were praised.
International tourists were reassured.
Officials promised cooperation.
Now the public waits to see whether roadblock experiences will actually change — or if this was simply crisis management dressed as reform.
Because in tourism, perception is currency — and right now, Zimbabwe is fighting hard to protect it.
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Speak out, and the system responds — but only when the cameras are rollingwas shocked,” he said in the video.
“I had three triangles. I have been coming into Zimbabwe for years and no one has ever told me that I need four. This kind of treatment is not good for tourism.”
He accused the officers of corruption and warned that incidents like this risk damaging Zimbabwe’s reputation as a tourist destination.
The video spread rapidly across social media, drawing thousands of views and comments within hours.
Later that evening, on February 7, the tourist shared a follow-up video saying Minister Barbara Rwodzi had contacted him personally by phone to apologise.
“The Minister called me herself and apologised,” he said.
“She assured me that action would be taken against the officers involved.”
On February 8, 2026, Rwodzi met the tourist in person. The meeting was widely shared online and cited by government officials as an example of swift engagement aimed at protecting Zimbabwe’s tourism image.
Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ndavaning Mangwana said the Government expected all officials to act with the country’s international standing in mind.
“Zimbabwe places paramount importance on its image,” Mangwana said.
“All officials, including those manning roadblocks, are expected to act accordingly.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that it had launched an internal process following the incident. Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the conduct seen in the video was concerning.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern the social media incident involving police officers in Chipinge and does not condone unprofessional conduct by members,” Nyathi said.
“The Police Command is therefore taking action with a view to continuously giving the public quality service and diligently adhere to policing values and courtesy as outlined in the Zimbabwe Republic Police Client Service Charter.”
“Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police commends the tourist for bringing this incident to attention.”
