News / National
Kombi crew implicated in bribing cops
08 Nov 2024 at 13:19hrs | Views
A commuter omnibus (kombi) driver and his conductor have been arrested for allegedly offering bribes to two policemen, following a viral video that showed the officers accepting cash from motorists. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrests and announced the impounding of two commuter omnibuses connected to the incident.
The two policemen, Sergeant James Chifamba (46) and Constable Trymore Mukunza (36), appeared in court before Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa. They are facing charges of criminal abuse of office as public officers and have been remanded in custody until November 11.
According to ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the video, which circulated widely on social media, allegedly shows the officers taking bribes from drivers of pirate taxis and registered public service vehicles along the Harare-Mutare Road at the Mabvuku turn-off. In response, the ZRP launched an investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of the kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima (31), and his conductor, Ishmael Gonyora, at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa on November 6.
"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima, and a conductor, Ishamel Gonyora, for bribery. The two were arrested after they were captured in the video offering bribes to the police officers," said Commissioner Nyathi. "Police impounded two Toyota Hiace kombis, with registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264, in connection with the incident."
Investigations revealed that Madzima was driving one of the Toyota Hiace kombis, while Gonyora, the conductor of the second vehicle, was also caught on video offering cash to the officers. Commissioner Nyathi stated that police are continuing efforts to locate and arrest additional suspects implicated in the incident.
The ZRP has urged the public to avoid offering bribes to law enforcement, emphasizing that the authorities will take decisive action against offenders. "The public is implored to report incidents of bribery or corruption on the National Complaints Desk or WhatsApp and at the nearest police station," Commissioner Nyathi added, providing contact numbers for reporting such incidents.
The arrests highlight the ZRP's crackdown on corruption, following widespread public outcry over the viral footage showing the alleged bribery exchange.
The two policemen, Sergeant James Chifamba (46) and Constable Trymore Mukunza (36), appeared in court before Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa. They are facing charges of criminal abuse of office as public officers and have been remanded in custody until November 11.
According to ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the video, which circulated widely on social media, allegedly shows the officers taking bribes from drivers of pirate taxis and registered public service vehicles along the Harare-Mutare Road at the Mabvuku turn-off. In response, the ZRP launched an investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of the kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima (31), and his conductor, Ishmael Gonyora, at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa on November 6.
Investigations revealed that Madzima was driving one of the Toyota Hiace kombis, while Gonyora, the conductor of the second vehicle, was also caught on video offering cash to the officers. Commissioner Nyathi stated that police are continuing efforts to locate and arrest additional suspects implicated in the incident.
The ZRP has urged the public to avoid offering bribes to law enforcement, emphasizing that the authorities will take decisive action against offenders. "The public is implored to report incidents of bribery or corruption on the National Complaints Desk or WhatsApp and at the nearest police station," Commissioner Nyathi added, providing contact numbers for reporting such incidents.
The arrests highlight the ZRP's crackdown on corruption, following widespread public outcry over the viral footage showing the alleged bribery exchange.
Source - The Herald
