Zimbabwe cops caught with bribe money at Chinese tile manufacturer

Two Norton-based police officers have been arrested for extortion after attempting to escape arrest moments after accepting a US$5,000 bribe from the Chinese-owned Sunny Yifeng Tiles Zimbabwe Company.

The officers, Patrick Kwashira and Tangai Matomati, both residents of Norton, appeared before Harare Magistrate Isheanesu Matova on Thursday. They were charged with extortion and were granted bail of US$200 each pending further investigation.

According to the prosecution, the incident began when Matomati, the investigating officer in a case of alleged assault, discovered that the complainant, Tapfuma Nyahonda, had withdrawn the charges against four individuals: Hou Zesong, Methew Mapfumo, Patience Zinyimo, and Brit Mutatsi. Matomati was reportedly unaware of the withdrawal, which prompted him to notify his superior.

The court heard that Matomati and Kwashira then allegedly took advantage of the situation and contacted Sunny Yifeng Tiles, claiming that Nyahonda had been forced to withdraw the assault charges by the accused employees—Terrify Taruvinga and Wang-Xioa-Jin. They demanded a bribe of US$5,000 from the company, threatening to pursue the case further unless the money was paid.

In response, a trap was set by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Internal Investigations unit. The officers were invited to the Sunny Yifeng Tiles premises, located along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, where they were to receive the demanded money.

The company's employee, Taruvinga, handed the bribe money to Kwashira in the presence of Matomati in one of the company's offices. As the officers left the office, ZRP Internal Investigations officers intercepted them. Kwashira was found holding the bribe money, but Matomati managed to flee the scene.

However, Kwashira dropped the bribe money, a CZ pistol magazine with nine rounds, and his personal belongings while attempting to escape. He was apprehended with the assistance of Sunny Yifeng Tiles employees.

CCTV footage from the company was used as evidence to identify and track the officers' movements, leading to their capture. The footage clearly captured Kwashira and Matomati at the Sunny Yifeng facility during the bribe transaction.

The case highlights a growing concern over corruption within law enforcement agencies, and the ZRP has vowed to continue its efforts to root out criminal activities among its ranks. Further investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to report any similar cases.