Harare cops sentenced to community service for extortion

Three Harare-based police officers have been sentenced to perform 315 hours of community service at Seke North Clinic after being found guilty of extorting US$5,500 from a fraud suspect. The convicted officers, Tsitsi Mapako, Moment Maponde, and Robson Soma, avoided jail time after their initial 18-month prison sentence was wholly suspended on the condition that they repay the full amount to the complainant.

According to Prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah, the incident occurred on April 21, 2021, when the three officers arrested the complainant at her workplace on allegations of fraud. During interrogation, the complainant explained that the actual perpetrator, Taona Mhanda, was already in custody. Despite this clarification, the officers reportedly pressured her, demanding US$5,500 to secure her release.

Fearing for her freedom, the complainant complied and transferred the money through Mapako. She was released immediately afterward. However, she later reported the extortion to the police, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the three officers.

The Harare Magistrates' Court emphasized the importance of repaying the stolen amount as part of the officers' suspended sentence. In addition to the community service, this case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption within law enforcement and the need for accountability to restore public trust.