Bogus roadblock cops granted bail

THREE police officers from Tsholotsho who allegedly mounted a series of illegal roadblocks after stealing a traffic offences ticket book were yesterday each granted $200 bail.

Assistant Inspector Arthur Mbwembwe, who is thought to have been the leader of the suspected rogue cops, is still on the run and a manhunt has been launched.

Sergeant Ephraim Sithole, 42, Constable Darlington Banda, 28, and Constable Davy Mlambo, whose age was not given are being charged with fraud.

Their lawyer Emmanuel Samundombe from Harare successfully applied for bail before Tsholotsho magistrate Abednico Ndebele.

The trio was ordered to report once every week on Fridays at Tsholotsho police station and remanded to October 14, when trial will start as they also have to undergo internal disciplinary action, according to the defence counsel.

Allegations by the State were that the four officers - all based at Tsholotsho Police Station - allegedly stole a Z69J book which is used to issue tickets for traffic crimes and mounted unsanctioned roadblocks for four days a fortnight ago.

The four allegedly mounted the roadblocks near Tsholotsho Business Centre between August 8 and 12.

The amount of money the police officers raised from the illegal operation was not established.

Prosecuting, Liane Nkomo told how the three police officers, in the company of Asst Insp Mbwembwe who was their boss, connived to mount roadblocks after fraudulently acquiring a Z69J book which is not available at ZRP Tsholotsho.

The quartet allegedly did not remit the spot fines after ticketing motorists but converted the money to their own use. The scam was unearthed when some receipts bearing their names were recovered from motorists, leading to their arrest.