Harare Council Apologises After Woman’s Car Clamped During Baby’s Medical Emergency
By Southerton Business Times | HARARE
The City of Harare has apologised after a woman's vehicle was clamped while she was rushing her sick five-year-old son to hospital in the capital's central business district (CBD), prompting public outrage and an internal investigation into the conduct of parking enforcement officers. The incident, which went viral on social media on Thursday, has reignited debate over how municipal authorities should respond to motorists facing genuine medical emergencies.
In a statement, City of Harare Head of Corporate Communications Stanley Gama confirmed that Mayor Jacob Mafume and senior council officials had personally engaged the affected mother and ordered the clamp to be removed.
"The City of Harare has issued a statement on the unfortunate incident in which a woman was clamped in the CBD while trying to rush to hospital with her sick baby. Both Mayor Jacob Mafume and myself have spoken to the woman and apologised for what happened," Gama said.
The local authority said the mother was able to continue to hospital after senior officials intervened.
"When the issue came to the attention of senior officials, they promptly ordered the clamp to be removed and she proceeded to take the baby to hospital."
Council expressed regret over the incident and said emergency situations should always be prioritised over parking enforcement.
"We sincerely apologise for the trauma caused to the mother, her family and all residents of Harare. The City of Harare has engaged our company, City Parking, and the woman with a view of gathering full facts."
It added:
"The City of Harare wishes to clarify that in all emergency situations, we assist the motorist first before clamping or issuing tickets. We are investigating the case and appropriate measures will be taken."
Mayor Mafume also confirmed that he had spoken directly with the mother, who told him that her son was receiving treatment.
According to social media platform Crime Watch Zimbabwe, the woman had stopped her vehicle in the CBD after her five-year-old son suffered a medical emergency and required emergency oxygen. She alleged that despite explaining the situation to parking marshals, her vehicle was clamped and she was asked to pay parking fees and a penalty before it could be released. Responding on social media, Mafume wrote:
"The issue was dealt with immediately it came to our attention. The young king should be okay and we wish him a speedy recovery. Those that need retraining will be sent."
When users argued that retraining alone was insufficient, the mayor responded that disciplinary action permitted by law would also be considered. The incident triggered hundreds of reactions online, with many Zimbabweans sharing similar experiences involving parking enforcement officers and calling for greater compassion when dealing with medical emergencies. The City of Harare said investigations involving City Parking and the affected motorist are continuing, with findings expected to guide any disciplinary action against those responsible.
Harare City Council car clamping
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