Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
TWO Harare police officers have swapped their uniforms for prison garb after being nailed for taking bribes from illegal sand poachers at a checkpoint near Sunway City.
Dennis Tafadzwa Chivaku and Sharon Madondo were each sentenced to four years behind bars, with one year suspended. That leaves them serving three solid years for what prosecutors described as a shocking betrayal of duty.
The pair were deployed to guard the Special Economic Zone but turned the post into a cash cow, charging US$5 per truck to allow sand poachers to pass freely.
According to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), investigators received tip-offs and set up a trap.
“The operation was successful. Chivaku and Madondo were caught red handed accepting bribes,” said the NPAZ.
After a full trial at Harare Magistrates’ Court, the two were convicted of criminal abuse of duty as public officers.
The conviction sends shockwaves through the police force and reinforces the State’s zero tolerance stance on corruption.
“This case sends a clear message: corruption in the ranks of law enforcement will not be tolerated,” the NPAZ warned.
“Accountability and integrity remain central to the criminal justice delivery system.”
From checkpoint bosses to jailbirds, the fall of Chivaku and Madondo is a reminder that no badge is above the law.
