4 cops, civilian, jailed for extortion

Four Epworth-based police officers and a civilian who masqueraded as a secret service agent and extorted $150 from an alleged assault suspect, Richard Murehwa, were recently slapped with 30-month jail terms each by a Harare magistrate.

The gang leader, a civilian, Norman Nyarongwe (37), was slapped with an additional 30-month jail term for impersonating a police officer.

All the convicts will, however, serve a 20-month effective jail term each after portions of their sentences were suspended on condition of restitution and good behaviour.

The court heard on the day in question, the five convicts proceeded to arrest Murehwa at his house for a Marondera assault case alleged to have been perpetrated in 2012.

They accused Murehwa of having assaulted one Eunice Majombo.

The court heard, upon arrival they knocked on Murehwa's door and after he responded to the knock he was immediately apprehended and Nyarongwe warned him that he was under arrest for assault.

Nyarongwe then went further and demanded $150 from Murehwa or any other valuable items to buy his liberty.