Harare, (New Ziana) – Two police officers from Mutare have appeared in the local magistrate court on allegations of bribery, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe has said.
Dudzai Jennifer Chiponda (47) and Glynis Lynn Mutsago (38) were granted bail and remanded to January 25.
Allegations against the duo are that on January 7, Chiponda and Mutsago arrested an illegal taxi driver for illegally pirating in the eastern border city’s central business district.
They demanded a bribe of US$90 for them to release his motor vehicle.
The driver pleaded that he did not have the demanded money and requested that they go to his employer’s residence to collect the money. He then drove to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) offices under the pretext that he was going to his employer.
Upon getting there, he parked outside the gate and entered the premises, leaving the two officers loitering under a tree across the road. He reported the matter to ZACC officials who set a trap. However, Chiponda and Mutsago had already disappeared.
The driver, accompanied by an investigation officer who was posing as his employer, proceeded to the CBD where they parked. Whilst parked, Chiponda and Mutsago approached and entered the motor vehicle accusing the driver of deceiving them, and insisted on their demand.
The ZACC investigation officer successfully negotiated for the amount to be reduced to US$20.
Chiponda and Mutsago then instructed the driver to drive towards the Civic Centre, where they followed and collected the bribe. When reinforcements approached, Chiponda and Mutsago dropped the money and tried to run away but were quickly apprehended.
New Ziana