Bribe cop goes insane

A BULAWAYO police officer, who allegedly tried to swallow a $3 bribe at Barbourfields Stadium, has gone insane and is admitted to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital.

Police have failed to conduct an internal disciplinary hearing while the case before the courts is in limbo after Bishop Mwembe, 29, developed mental problems last week.

Colleagues arrested Mwembe, who is stationed at Mzilikazi Police Station, after he allegedly received a $3 bribe to allow three football fans entry at the $5-per-person wing terrace during an epic clash between Dynamos and Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium two weeks ago.

Mwembe allegedly chewed up two $1 notes when a colleague caught him red-handed receiving the bribe.

Bulawayo provincial magistrate Marylyn Muchina last week issued a warrant of arrest for him after he failed to turn up in court.

The court said there was no proof that he was facing mental challenges.

His lawyer Tanaka Muganyi yesterday confirmed Mwembe was facing mental problems.

"The court last week issued a warrant of arrest because he hadn't yet been admitted to Ingutsheni Hospital but it's true he's facing mental problems," said Muganyi.

Police sources told The Chronicle that Mwembe was rushed to hospital after he started acting strangely when he turned up for a police hearing.

"As is the norm, an accused person has to march to the hearing and is compelled to salute superiors on arrival.

"Mwembe strolled in and appeared lost. He looked like he didn't know what to do. The hearing officer was forced to order that he be taken for a mental examination," said the source.

In his initial appearance, a day after his arrest, the court heard there was a scuffle at Barbourfields Police Post when he snatched a $1 note that was being used as an exhibit and tried to force it down his throat using some water he found at the charge office.

Mwembe, whose rank was not given in court, allegedly managed to swallow part of the note.

Prosecuting, Dennmore Kasenza said on July 26 at around 3:30PM, Mwembe was deployed at Barbourfields Stadium to monitor gates 17, 18, 19, and 20.

Kasenza said Velokuhle Ncube observed Mwembe receiving money from three people who were entering the stadium through gate 18.

"Ncube grabbed the accused by the belt and demanded that he hands over the money which he was holding in his left hand and he refused. Mwembe then put the money in his mouth and started chewing it," Kasenza said.

The court heard how Mwembe dragged Ncube to the main gate where he threw the money outside the gate.

Audrey Mtali, a colleague who was on the same assignment as Mwembe, allegedly went outside the gate and picked the money before Mwembe attempted to snatch it but failed.

"Mtali handed the money to Ncube and Mwembe snatched the money when Ncube was handing it over to another police officer who demanded it as an exhibit," Kasenza said.

"Mwembe chewed the money for a second time but dropped a dollar which was picked up by Ncube. He then chewed and tore into pieces the other dollar and the pieces were picked up by Mtali who handed them over to Ncube," the court heard

When they got to Barbourfields Police Post, the court heard, Ncube handed the dollar to the senior officers at the charge office but Mwembe snatched the money and tried to swallow it again.

Mwembe allegedly grabbed a bottle of water and attempted to wash down the note.