Drama as cops are arrested at roadblock

Bulawayo residents were treated to a free movie as the anti-corruption unit swooped on police officers who were allegedly demanding bribes from motorists this morning (Wednesday).

The dramatic incident occurred at around 7.45 am.

The police officers had 'barricaded' Khami Road causing commuter omnibus operators to flee to Luveve Road.

Residents said they laughed their lungs out as the officers removed money from their pockets and threw it away as they ran, apparently trying to get rid of evidence that they had been collecting bribes.

Kombi drivers said the anti-corruption unit officers arrived in a kombi, in plain clothes leading the officers, who had set up a roadblock at the flyover to believe they were regular drivers who would pay a bribe to pass the roadblock.

"They stopped the kombi and were given $2 after demanding a bribe. As soon as one of the officers took the money, they told him he was under arrest. The other officers at the roadblock started running away. They were removing money from their pockets and throwing it away," said a kombi driver.

Another driver said he nearly cracked his ribs laughing when he saw the cops trying to get rid of the cash they had been collecting.

"They are supposed to declare cash that they may be having before going on roadblock duty so any undeclared cash found on them would be deemed to be proceeds from corruption. I nearly died from laughter as I saw them trying to get rid of the evidence. The unit discovered more cash hidden in some of the officers' shoes and socks and four were arrested," said the driver.

Acting police spokesperson for Bulawayo Assistant Inspector Abednico Ncube said he was not aware of the incident when he was contacted for comment yesterday.

Earlier in the year, a Gweru traffic cop swallowed a $10 note when she was confronted by the unit when she was collecting bribes at roadblocks.

Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri has said cops caught engaging in corruption would be summarily dismissed without going for a hearing.