3 cops sentenced for extortion

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

Three Harare-based police officers have been sentenced to perform 315 hours of community service at Seke North Clinic after being convicted of extorting US$5 500 from a suspect.

The convicted officers are Tsitsi Mapako, Moment Maponde and Robson Soma.

Initially, the officers received an 18-month prison sentence, which was wholly suspended on condition they repay the US$5 500 to the complainant.

Prosecutor Dzidzai Josiah outlined that on April 21, 2021, the officers arrested the complainant at her workplace for alleged fraud.

During interrogation, she clarified that the real perpetrator, Taona Mhanda, was already in custody.

The officers reportedly pressured the complainant, demanding US$5 500 for her release. She eventually paid this amount through Mapako and was released immediately.

Afterwards, the complainant filed a report to the police, resulting in the arrest of the three officers involved.