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CID officers in court over US$5,000 bribery sting
11 hrs ago |
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Two officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police stationed at CID Minerals in Mutare have appeared in court facing extortion and bribery charges after allegedly being caught in a sting operation.
The accused, Taona Zhou (37) and Observant Tinashe Marodza (37), appeared before Jesse Kufa at the Harare Magistrates' Court, where they were each granted bail of US$100.
According to prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the two officers allegedly solicited a bribe from transport operator Tawanda Zimbowa in exchange for facilitating the release of trucks carrying mineral ore destined for Mozambique.
The court heard that on March 21, the trucks were intercepted in Mutare by CID officers, including Zhou, who allegedly seized the drivers' passports and vehicle registration books, citing irregularities in the consignment documentation.
Although the documents were later returned, prosecutors allege the situation escalated when the officers demanded payment to allow the trucks to proceed.
Investigations revealed that a US$15 000 bribe had allegedly already been paid to the officers, but had not been distributed among other officials as purportedly agreed.
The matter intensified on March 25 when Zhou allegedly contacted one of the drivers, Langford Kamanga, demanding an additional US$5 000.
The incident was reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, which authorised a trap operation.
On March 26, ZACC officers accompanied the complainant to Mutare, where a meeting was arranged with the accused at a food outlet in the city centre. The officers allegedly confirmed they were ready to receive the money before directing the complainant to a nearby location.
Prosecutors say the complainant handed over the marked trap money under surveillance, leading to the arrest of both officers.
"A search recovered the trap money on the front seat of the vehicle," the State said.
The State alleges that the accused acted unlawfully by demanding and receiving a bribe in connection with their official duties.
Zhou and Marodza are facing charges of extortion under Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively bribery under Section 170.
They were remanded to a later date for continuation of proceedings.
The accused, Taona Zhou (37) and Observant Tinashe Marodza (37), appeared before Jesse Kufa at the Harare Magistrates' Court, where they were each granted bail of US$100.
According to prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the two officers allegedly solicited a bribe from transport operator Tawanda Zimbowa in exchange for facilitating the release of trucks carrying mineral ore destined for Mozambique.
The court heard that on March 21, the trucks were intercepted in Mutare by CID officers, including Zhou, who allegedly seized the drivers' passports and vehicle registration books, citing irregularities in the consignment documentation.
Although the documents were later returned, prosecutors allege the situation escalated when the officers demanded payment to allow the trucks to proceed.
Investigations revealed that a US$15 000 bribe had allegedly already been paid to the officers, but had not been distributed among other officials as purportedly agreed.
The matter intensified on March 25 when Zhou allegedly contacted one of the drivers, Langford Kamanga, demanding an additional US$5 000.
The incident was reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, which authorised a trap operation.
On March 26, ZACC officers accompanied the complainant to Mutare, where a meeting was arranged with the accused at a food outlet in the city centre. The officers allegedly confirmed they were ready to receive the money before directing the complainant to a nearby location.
Prosecutors say the complainant handed over the marked trap money under surveillance, leading to the arrest of both officers.
"A search recovered the trap money on the front seat of the vehicle," the State said.
The State alleges that the accused acted unlawfully by demanding and receiving a bribe in connection with their official duties.
Zhou and Marodza are facing charges of extortion under Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively bribery under Section 170.
They were remanded to a later date for continuation of proceedings.
Source - New Zimbabwe
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