2 detectives up for abuse of office

criminal abuse of duty as public officers.
The US$6 000 was to be in lieu of freedom.

Detective Assistant Inspector Nyasha Gumbo (41) based in Zvishavane and Detective Sergeant Godfrey Majari (40) stationed at serious fraud squad in Harare denied the charge when they appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini.

They were remanded to August 1 for trial on free bail.
Appearing for the State, Ms Rufaro Mazvimbakupa alleged that sometime in July last year Firoz Hassim (32) who owns food outlets, Food Express, imported two motor vehicles from South Africa on behalf of a Malawian based client.

It is alleged Hassim hired two drivers, Bernard Chibwe and Bennet Chifundo to drive the vehicles from Beitbridge to Nyamapanda. The drivers, it is alleged disappeared with the vehicles.
Hassim, the State says, reported the matter to Detective Asst Insp Gumbo.

In August, Detective Asst Insp Gumbo connived with Detective Sgt Majari and proceeded to Gweru. Upon their arrival, the duo confronted Hassim and told him he was under arrest for smuggling motor vehicles.
They took him to his house were they conducted a search before threatening him with arrest and detention.
The two, it is alleged went on to demand US$6 000 from Hassim so that they would not arrest him.

It is the State’s case that they took Hassim to his shop where they held him hostage while his family looked for the money.
It is further alleged Hassim’s family managed to raise US$3 500, which they gave to Detective Asst Insp Gumbo and Detective Sgt Majari and the two fled from the scene.

The State further alleged that sometime in January this year, Detective Sgt Majari approached Hassim at his workplace and told him he was now in charge of the case.
He then handcuffed him and demanded another US$2 500 so that he could not detain him.

Detective Sgt Majari, it is alleged forced Hassim to write a statement disowning ownership of the motor vehicles.
Hassim after writing the statement, gave Detective Sgt Majari US$2 500.
It is the State’s case that Hassim later made a report to police Internal Investigations section leading to the arrest of the duo.