adminThe three accused are traffic police officers stationed at Mbembesi Police Traffic.
Police in Gweru received a tip-off from members of the public that traffic police officers at Mbembesi were soliciting for bribes from motorists and laid a trap that resulted in the arrest of the three using a $10 note.
The three accused had initially arrested the informant, Mr Victor Kwaramba, for operating a passenger vehicle without a road service permit.
They only released Mr Kwaramba from their custody after he gave them a $10 bribe.
Mr Kwaramba proceeded with his journey and made a report at Gweru Central Police station.
Mandizha, Marerwa and Brown were yesterday brought before Gweru magistrate Mrs Kudakwashe Canady to answer to charges of criminal abuse of office.
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to Friday on $20 bail each.
Appearing for the State, Mr Andrew Marimo said on 23 November last year, information was received from the informant, Mr Kwaramba, that officers attached to the traffic section at Mbembesi Police Station were demanding $10 from motorists, particularly those carrying passengers without operators’ permits.
He said following the receipt of the information, an authority to set up a trap was sought and was duly granted.
Mr Marimo said a $10 note with serial number IB40081142C was photocopied and certified as it was going to be used as the trap money.
He said a team of detectives from Gweru accompanied the informant, Mr Kwaramba, to Mbembesi to execute the trap.
The court heard that Mandizha, Marerwa and Brown were found manning a roadblock at the 118km peg along the Gweru-Bulawayo highway.
Mr Marimo said upon arrival at the roadblock, the officers stopped the informant’s car and ordered him to get out and come to where they were standing.
He said Mr Kwaramba collected the $10 note from one of the police officers and proceeded to the three accused persons.
The court heard that Mr Kwaramba handed the three accused the $10 note and they advised him to leave without the Z69 (J) receipt.
Mr Marimo said all this happened in the eyes of the detectives who were observing from the parked car.
He said when Mr Kwaramba got to his car, the detectives quickly pounced on the roadblock team and demanded the $10 note from Brown.
The court heard that it was Brown who had received the money from Mr Kwaramba.
Mr Marimo said she complied and quietly handed over the note to one of the detectives. The note is being used as an exhibit in the trial.
Mr Marimo said when the detectives checked the Z69 (j) books, they discovered that the $10 note had not been receipted.
He said Mandizha, Marerwa and Brown were subsequently arrested and taken to Mbembesi Police Station.
The three accused are being represented by Mr Reginald Chidawanyika of Chitere, Chidawanyika and Partners.
Online Reporter