Online Reporter
Langelihle S Nyathi, [email protected]
A 60-year-old police officer has been found guilty of soliciting for a US$50 bribe from a dagga dealer.
The cop, Farai Mukwasi, was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court where he was sentenced to 24 months in prison after being convicted of criminal abuse of duty.
However, six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 18 months were suspended on the condition that he completes 630 hours of community service.
According to a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), on August 13, 2024, a joint operation targeting illegal activities in the Sanyati Gorge and Kings Camp area was conducted.
The operation involved a team of seven Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers and eight Zimbabwe National Parks rangers.
During the operation, 23 individuals were arrested.
A search at the Kings Camp residence of one of the suspects, Portia Mairos, led to the discovery of 22 twists of dagga.
She was subsequently detained overnight at Chalala Police Post.
At around 2am, Mukwasi is said to have solicited a US$50 bribe from Mairos in exchange for her release. After paying the bribe, she was released.
However, Mairos was rearrested at Chalala Harbour around 7 am, where she then disclosed that she had paid Mukwasi for her release and that he had personally escorted her to the harbour.
To conceal the misconduct, Mukwasi issued a receipt for US$15, falsely charging her with Disorderly Conduct instead of possession of dagga, thereby reducing the severity of the offence.
Bongani Ndlovu