Bribe-taking cops denied bail

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

TWO police officers, who were allegedly recently caught on camera accepting a bribe to release a detained suspect, were denied bail yesterday.

Rudo Chirengendure and Nyasha Mupandira (34), who are facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as public officers, were denied bail by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa.

She said the accused were facing a serious offence and there was a high likelihood that they would interfere with witnesses.

They were remanded to May 13 pending the finalisation of investigations. The State, represented by Luckson Mhara, opposed bail and plans to present evidence from the investigating officer in court tomorrow.

According to prosecutor Mr Lancelot Mutsokoti, the incident occurred on April 18 while the officers were on duty at Parkade rank, located at the intersection of Nelson Mandela Avenue and Rezende Street.

They had been deployed to patrol the area and apprehend illegal moneychangers, touts and vendors operating in the Harare central business district.

During their patrol, the two officers were secretly filmed receiving money to release a female suspect who had been arrested and handcuffed for engaging in illegal activities.

After accepting the bribe, the pair removed the handcuffs and freed the suspect.