Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
TWO corrupt police officers have been removed from the country’s police force after their conviction for turning themselves into a human toll gate where motorists had to pay US$1 to be allowed passage.
Naume Dube (31) and Victoria Shonhiwa (36), who were stationed at Mbare Police Station, were convicted of criminal abuse of duty.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), at the time of their arrest, on March 11 last year, Dube was found with US$80 in her shirt pockets while Shonhiwa had US$40.
A list of motor vehicle registration numbers was also recovered
They were arrested following a tip-off.
Officers conducted surveillance and observed the two officers accepting bribes.
The two officers were arrested and handed over to the Police Anti-Corruption Unit.
The US$120 and list of vehicles were produced in court as evidence.
Meanwhile, the High Court of Zimbabwe has granted the Prosecutor-General’s application to forfeit property equivalent in value to funds stolen by Phillip Tendenedzai from his employer.
According to the NPA, Tendenedzai, a former driver and messenger at Optinova Eye Care, was convicted in February 2023 for stealing US$13,147.
Despite his conviction, the stolen funds could not be traced or recovered.
The Prosecutor-General sought to forfeit part of his lawfully acquired property, specifically his rights and interest in Stand Number 13 800, Caledonia, valued at US$40,000, in terms of Section 78(2) of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act.
The court ruled that US$13,147 worth of Tendenedai’s property could be forfeited, even though the property itself was acquired with legitimate funds.
This decision aligns with international best practices and Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating economic crime and money laundering.
The ruling reinforces the principle of substitute asset forfeiture to ensure that criminals do not profit from their crimes, even if the proceeds are not traceable.
It underscores the importance of holding offenders accountable and compensating victims of economic crimes.
