Kwekwe City Council has distanced itself from an entity known as “Kwekwe City Parking”, which has been charging parking fees to motorists in the city’s central business district, sparking controversy and confusion among residents. The row erupted when bailiffs, supposedly representing the council, were seen stationed on street corners demanding fees from unsuspecting motorists. The sudden appearance of the marshals, without any public announcement or explanation from the city council, left many residents questioning the legitimacy of the parking fee plan.

While some residents expressed support for structured parking services, they criticized the abrupt implementation and lack of transparency, and called for better communication from local authorities. In response to the situation, Mr Tafadzwa Gambiza, a local resident, filed a court application to quash the council’s parking services, naming both Kwekwe City Council and the purported Kwekwe City Parking Company as defendants. Gambiza argued that the council’s actions breached local bylaws, maintaining that Kwekwe City Parking did not legally exist.

Council denies connection to Kwekwe City car park

In an affidavit filed through her lawyer, Kwekwe Municipal Clerk Dr Lucia Mnkandla vehemently denied any association with Kwekwe City Parking, stating that it was not a registered legal entity. Dr Mnkandla further argued that Mr Gambiza had no merit in his case as he had not raised any objections during the council’s budget process, which included provisions for parking fees.

“No legal entity uses the name of the second respondent. Even in the founding affidavit, the applicant did not indicate why the second respondent was summoned,” Dr Mnkandla said, highlighting that the city had followed all procedural requirements and had summoned to the public hearing. objections during budget consultations. He suggested any concerns about the parking charging system should have been addressed at that stage.

Legal proceedings and judicial frustrations

Magistrate Itai Kagwere, who reviewed Gambiza’s case, expressed frustration at the lack of clarity around the parking plan. He questioned the council’s stance, noting that bailiffs had been collecting fees since August 2024, despite the council denying any involvement with Kwekwe City Parking.

“The city is inundated with marshals posing as Kwekwe City parking officials,” Magistrate Kagwere said, highlighting residents’ concerns over the behavior of marshals who were reportedly demanding fees in non-urban areas. signposted. He also criticized her intimidating behavior, which he said was inconsistent with standard parking practices, such as metered parking.

Justice Kagwere suggested that Dr Mnkandla should have clarified the matter instead of denying the existence of the bailiffs. He expressed frustration at the growing number of sheriffs “coming out of nowhere,” and called for more transparency from the council. However, due to jurisdictional limitations imposed by the Administrative Justice Act, it referred the matter to the High Court for further consideration.

Public protest and calls for accountability

The case has attracted widespread public attention, with many Kwekwe residents raising concerns about the lack of clear communication and accountability in the council’s handling of parking charges. Confusion over the legitimacy of the parking plan, coupled with the behavior of sheriffs, has only intensified frustrations over service delivery in the city.

As the legal battle reaches the High Court, the legitimacy of the parking fee collection system and the council’s role in the initiative will be closely examined. Residents are demanding a transparent process and a more responsible approach to municipal initiatives, especially when it comes to public services such as parking.

The ongoing legal dispute highlights the need for greater clarity and communication from local authorities on initiatives that directly impact residents. With the High Court set to hear the case, it remains to be seen whether the council will be held liable for the bailiffs’ actions and whether the parking charging scheme will be retained or scrapped entirely.