Byo man arrested for trying to bribe cops

A 25 year old Bulawayo man was arrested after a failed attempt to bribe cops  who had arrested his friend for selling unregistered medicines.

Gerald Chiwara who resides in  Entumbane high density suburb was hauled before Bulawayo magistrate Tawanda Muchenwa facing allegations of bribery.

It is the state's case that that Chiwara offered the cops $80 and R100.

He denied the charges and was remanded in custody to Thursday  for continuation of trial.

Chiwara, in his defense, said he had been sent to hand over the cash to the cops oblivious to the fact that it was a bribe.

"l was sent by a friend of mine to give the money to the police officers did not even know what the money was for, so l was not bribing them," he said.

Chiwara said he had told the officers that he could positively identify the man who had sent him.

The State case as presented by Caroline Matanga is that on March 12,2015 at around 6PM police officers from Bulawayo central station from the crime prevention Unit were deployed to arrest wanted persons in Western suburbs.

Matanga told the court Charles Muza was selling Bron cleer syrup when he was arrested.

"While the police officers were parked along Luveve and Nketa Drive intersection, Chiwara approached them and demanded they should release Muza.

The court heard that he produced $80 and R100 stating that they should take the money and releases his friend.

"The police officers arrested Chiwara and took the money, "said Matanga.