Cops granted bail over US$40 bribe scandal

Three Zimbabwean police officers accused of demanding a US$40 bribe from a motorist at an illegal roadblock along Harare Street were granted bail on Monday by Magistrate Jesse Kufa.

Tendai Arimoni, Webster Mabhugu, and Taurai Masere, who face charges of criminal abuse of office, were each released on US$100 bail following their court appearance. The trio had initially been remanded in custody after their first hearing on Friday last week.

The State alleges that on December 31, 2025, the officers set up an unsanctioned roadblock along Harare Street, targeting vehicles traveling against a one-way street. Their actions were reportedly being monitored by the Harare Anti-Corruption Unit.

According to the prosecution, the officers stopped a white Mercedes Benz, registration number AFX 9209, driven by Brian Mpofu, who was accompanied by his friend, Obey Taruvinga. The officers allegedly informed Mpofu that he was under arrest for violating the one-way street rule and ordered him to drive to Harare Central Police Station.

The first accused, Arimoni, allegedly demanded US$150 as a fine but later offered to accept a US$40 bribe to let Mpofu go. Under pressure, Mpofu borrowed US$35 from his companion and added US$5 of his own to meet the bribe demand. The money was reportedly handed over, and Mpofu was released.

Unbeknownst to the officers, members of the Harare Province Anti-Corruption Unit had been observing the situation. After Mpofu was released, anti-corruption officers intercepted him, recorded his statement, and launched an investigation. The accused officers fled the scene but were later tracked down and arrested.