Cops arrested in extortion sting operation

Five police officers from the ZRP Marondera traffic section were arrested last Thursday in a coordinated sting operation after allegedly demanding US$540 from a motorist. The operation, carried out by the police internal investigators in collaboration with the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO), targeted officers accused of corrupt practices at a roadblock.

The incident involved complainant Craig Nyandoro, who was stopped by the officers for allegedly driving a recently imported vehicle without valid documentation. Despite producing the vehicle papers, the officers reportedly insisted on receiving payment.

SARACO director Paddington Kadzungura confirmed the arrest of the five officers, who are now awaiting court proceedings. He identified the suspects as Sergeant Mugutso and Constables Dzomba, Chabhanga, Rusinga, and Madondo. "They forcibly extorted US$540 from him, prompting a report to SARACO, which immediately alerted the relevant authorities," Kadzungura said.

He detailed that communication was made with Assistant Commissioner Dhlakama and Chief Superintendent Chokuda, after which a team comprising two SARACO investigators and five Internal Investigations officers was dispatched to Marondera to apprehend the suspects.

Kadzungura explained that Nyandoro had initially tried to recover his money directly from the officers, but investigators advised him to avoid negotiations until proper arrangements were in place to secure the arrests. "The police officers, sensing danger, attempted to negotiate with the complainant, promising to return the money, but he was advised to wait until the operation was ready," he said.

The following day, the combined team arrested the five officers at a roadblock in Marondera. They are currently detained at Marondera Police Station under case number RRB 6245854 and face charges of extortion under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act [Chapter 9:23].