News / National
Zimbabwe cops drop bribe money and flee as ZACC officials close in
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Two police officers stationed in Mutare have appeared before the Mutare Magistrates' Court on charges of demanding a bribe from an illegal taxi driver. The officers, Dudzai Jennifer Chiponda (47) and Glynislynn Mutsago (38), are accused of soliciting a US$90 bribe to release the driver's vehicle, which they had impounded for operating without a licence in the city's central business district.
The alleged incident occurred on January 7, when the officers apprehended the driver and demanded the bribe. Unable to pay the requested amount, the driver proposed visiting his employer's residence to collect the money. However, instead of heading to his employer, the driver went to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) offices, where he reported the officers' demands.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the officers waited outside under a tree near the ZACC offices while the driver filed his complaint. ZACC officials attempted to apprehend the officers immediately, but they left the scene before any action could be taken.
In collaboration with an undercover ZACC investigator posing as the driver's employer, the driver returned to the Mutare CBD to lure the officers. The accused approached the vehicle, expressed anger at being deceived, and reiterated their demand for a bribe. During negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to US$20.
The officers instructed the driver to proceed to the civic centre to collect the money. As the officers followed the vehicle, reinforcement units moved in to apprehend them. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the officers dropped the money and tried to flee but were quickly captured.
Chiponda and Mutsago were brought before the court and granted bail. They are scheduled to appear again on January 25 for further proceedings.
This case highlights growing public dissatisfaction with corruption within the police force. ZACC has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.
Transparency advocates and citizens have called for harsher penalties for corrupt officials, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to restore public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The alleged incident occurred on January 7, when the officers apprehended the driver and demanded the bribe. Unable to pay the requested amount, the driver proposed visiting his employer's residence to collect the money. However, instead of heading to his employer, the driver went to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) offices, where he reported the officers' demands.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the officers waited outside under a tree near the ZACC offices while the driver filed his complaint. ZACC officials attempted to apprehend the officers immediately, but they left the scene before any action could be taken.
In collaboration with an undercover ZACC investigator posing as the driver's employer, the driver returned to the Mutare CBD to lure the officers. The accused approached the vehicle, expressed anger at being deceived, and reiterated their demand for a bribe. During negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to US$20.
Chiponda and Mutsago were brought before the court and granted bail. They are scheduled to appear again on January 25 for further proceedings.
This case highlights growing public dissatisfaction with corruption within the police force. ZACC has reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.
Transparency advocates and citizens have called for harsher penalties for corrupt officials, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to restore public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Source - the chroncile
