Shamaine Chirimujiri
STAFF WRITER
CITY Parking will overhaul its enforcement rules following public outrage over a vehicle clamped during a child’s medical emergency in Harare.
The move came after a video went viral on social media showing a woman whose vehicle was clamped while she stopped to administer emergency oxygen to her five-year-old son, triggering widespread anger over City Parking’s handling of urgent medical situations.
In a statement yesterday, City Parking issued an apology to the affected family and announced measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.
“City Parking deeply regrets the distressing incident that occurred involving a mother and her child who required urgent medical attention. A comprehensive review of our clamping procedures shall be undertaken to ensure that emergency situations are handled with humanity and urgency,” read the statement.
“The well-being and safety of our customers is paramount, and we recognise that compassion and sensitivity must guide our operations at all times. All staff will undergo mandatory customer service and sensitivity training, with emphasis on handling vulnerable persons and medical emergencies.”
City Parking said the incident had highlighted the need to strengthen its operational procedures and restore public trust.
“We are engaging directly with the affected family to extend our apologies and offer support. We acknowledge the seriousness of the matter and the public concern it has generated,” the company said.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected family and to the wider community for the manner in which this situation was handled.”
The parking operator also launched a full investigation into the conduct of the enforcement officers involved.
“A full investigation into the conduct of our staff will be undertaken, and appropriate action will be taken,” the company added. “We wish the young boy a speedy recovery. City Parking is committed to restoring public trust, and we assure the community that corrective measures will be implemented swiftly to prevent such incidents in the future.”
City Parking, a private firm wholly-owned by the Harare City Council, manages urban parking across the capital’s central business district.
The company has frequently faced intense public criticism from motorists, transport operators, and civic groups over aggressive clamping practices, high penalty fees, and rigid enforcement policies across downtown Harare.