News / National
Cop drags Chihuri to court
19 Jun 2013 at 05:54hrs | Views
A Harare traffic cop accused of accepting a bribe has dragged police commissioner-general Augustine Chihuri to the High Court to stop the police chief from sacking him from the force.
Brighton Chikutwe, a sergeant in the police force currently stationed at Mbare Police Station, has filed an urgent chamber application citing Chihuri, a chief superintendent only identified as Wilson, superintendent Usayiwevhu and superintendent Nekati as respondents.
According to Chikutwe, the application seeks to interdict the four from convening a board of inquiry today to look into his suitability to remain in the police force.
Chikutwe is accused of contravening the Police Act. He allegedly demanded a $70 bribe from Michael Madzore for the release of his unlicensed vehicle.
The court heard that a constable Muzuva received the money from Madzore's brother Last Mapuranga for the release of the impounded vehicle.
A trap was set-up, leading to Muzuva's arrest.
"Simultaneous to my disciplinary proceedings, criminal proceedings were preferred against me, arising from the same cause of action and these proceedings are yet to be concluded at Mbare Magistrates' Court," said Chikutwe.
He said Police Standing Orders prohibits the police force from carrying out disciplinary or board proceedings against any member whose case has been taken before a criminal court.
Chikutwe further told the court that the trial was handled by a single person and that Wilson, Usayiwevhu and Nekati were interested parties.
"It is therefore my contention that these three officers are not suitable and competent officers to determine my fate in the police force," said Chikutwe.
Brighton Chikutwe, a sergeant in the police force currently stationed at Mbare Police Station, has filed an urgent chamber application citing Chihuri, a chief superintendent only identified as Wilson, superintendent Usayiwevhu and superintendent Nekati as respondents.
According to Chikutwe, the application seeks to interdict the four from convening a board of inquiry today to look into his suitability to remain in the police force.
Chikutwe is accused of contravening the Police Act. He allegedly demanded a $70 bribe from Michael Madzore for the release of his unlicensed vehicle.
The court heard that a constable Muzuva received the money from Madzore's brother Last Mapuranga for the release of the impounded vehicle.
A trap was set-up, leading to Muzuva's arrest.
"Simultaneous to my disciplinary proceedings, criminal proceedings were preferred against me, arising from the same cause of action and these proceedings are yet to be concluded at Mbare Magistrates' Court," said Chikutwe.
He said Police Standing Orders prohibits the police force from carrying out disciplinary or board proceedings against any member whose case has been taken before a criminal court.
Chikutwe further told the court that the trial was handled by a single person and that Wilson, Usayiwevhu and Nekati were interested parties.
"It is therefore my contention that these three officers are not suitable and competent officers to determine my fate in the police force," said Chikutwe.
Source - News
