Cop up for extortion

Weekender Correspondent
THE desire for a quick buck backfired for a Mutare constable after he was arraigned before the courts for trying to extort money from a man whose vehicle had been impounded for carrying bales of second-hand clothes. Trustmore Chijaka (35) appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mr Langton Mukwengi last week, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.
He pleaded not guilty.

Prosecuting, Mr Walter Saunyama, said sometime in August last year, the complainant, Farai Madzivanzira’s vehicle (Mercedes-Benz Iveco) was impounded by the police after it was discovered that it was being used to transport bales of second-hand clothes. Six bales were recovered from the truck.

“The vehicle (Registration Number ADC 1906) was being driven by Mcdonald Chironda who was arrested and spent the night detained at Mutare Central Police Station. Chironda was released the following morning under the instruction of Inspector Bhosha after paying a fine of $40 for dangerous parking. The vehicle was not released.
“Chijaka then told Chironda that if he wanted his vehicle to be released, he had to pay him $500. Since he had no money on him, Chironda informed his boss (Madzivanzira) and the two started communicating,” said Saunyama.

The matter came to light after investigating officers discovered an EcoCash transfer of $200 from the complainant to the accused.
Madzivanzira had told the police about the money transfer.

Asked to account for the transfer, Chijaka said he was wondering where the money had come from, neither did he knew who the sender was.
In defending himself, Chijaka told the court that he did not have the capacity as a constable to release an impounded vehicle.

“I am just a constable and I do not have the capacity to release an impounded vehicle. The vehicle had been seized by the Border Control Unit whereas I work at the charge office.

“My position makes it impossible for me to release vehicles when they are impounded, let alone extort anyone,” said Chijaka.
The case was adjourned to February 27 for continuation of trial.