Harare, (New Ziana) – A police officer has been jailed for an effective 10 months imprisonment for demanding an US$800 bribe to release an impounded truck.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Peter Loverage Mombe (36), was convicted of Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer by the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

The charges arose from an incident on August 2, 2023 at Engen Service Station, opposite VID Eastlea in Harare. Mombe demanded a US$800 bribe to release an impounded truck carrying lithium ore.

The truck belonging to Francis Nembire, had been seized for allegedly transporting lithium ore without a removal permit.

After repeatedly calling Nembire demanding the bribe, the latter reported the case to the Police Internal Investigations, leading to a sting operation being set up with trap money.

Nembire met Mombe at Engen Service Station, where he handed over US$800 wrapped in tissue paper. As soon as he received the money, Mombe saw officers closing in and attempted to flee, throwing away the cash. He was apprehended on the spot.

New Ziana