Kombis impounded as police hunt more suspects in viral video

A kombi driver and his conductor have been arrested on bribery charges after a viral video exposed them offering bribes to police officers along the Harare-Mutare Road. The two men, identified as Tinashe Madzima (31) and Ishamel Gonyora, were taken into custody on November 6, 2024, at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa following their identification in the widely circulated video.

In a press statement, Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrests. "The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima (31), and a conductor, Ishamel Gonyora, at George Shopping Centre, Ruwa, on 6th November 2024 for bribery. The two were arrested after being identified in the viral video offering bribes to police officers. Subsequently, the police impounded two Toyota Hiace kombis, registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264, in connection with the incident," Nyathi stated.

The video showed Madzima, who was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi with registration number ABZ 1395, approaching a police officer to offer a bribe, while Gonyora, the conductor of another kombi, registration ABZ 8264, was also captured offering a bribe to officers.

The police are reportedly continuing investigations and are pursuing additional suspects involved in the incident.

In his statement, Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to refrain from engaging in bribery and emphasized that swift action would be taken against those caught in corrupt activities. He encouraged citizens to report instances of bribery or corruption to the police through the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or at any nearest police station.

The arrest of the kombi driver and conductor highlights Zimbabwe's ongoing efforts to crack down on corruption and encourage transparency, especially on busy transport routes like Harare-Mutare Road.