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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
POLICE have arrested two people for attempting to bribe police officers as the force intensifies its crackdown on corruption.
National police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday said Danisa Chikondere and Gerald Mashambanhaka were arrested in two separate incidents for offering bribes to police officers.
“On March 10, 2014 at about 1.50AM a police highway patrol team was conducting its traffic enforcement duties at the 46km peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road.
“A Hino truck with registration number AAI 6587 driven by Munyaradzi Zorodze, 28, approached the police check point carrying nine beasts. On board the truck were three occupants Danisa and Nelson Chikondere as well as Albert Magwizi.”
Snr Asst Comm Charamba said checks by the police revealed that the cattle movement permit held by the accused persons authorised the movement of 18 beasts.
She said the suspects also had two police clearance forms indicating the clearing of 10 beasts each.
“The variation raised police suspicion and on being questioned Danisa indicated that he was the lawful owner of the cattle and offered the police officers a $5 note so that the truck could be released and he was subsequently arrested,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She said Mashambanhaka was arrested in Harare after trying to buy his freedom with $10.
“Mashambanhaka was first arrested by police on March 7, 2014 at the Market Square rank while pirating with a Fun Cargo vehicle with registration number ACV 2095. When he was being taken to Mbare Police Station he offered the police officers $10 bribe in exchange for his freedom.
“The officers refused to take his money but he showed no remorse and shoved the money into one of the officer’s handbags, before he was arrested and detained,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
She applauded the junior police officers who arrested the two suspects for being firm and refusing to take bribes and warned the public against corruption.
“Contrary to some sections of the society who are spreading unsubstantiated claims about corruption, it is the members of the public who are fuelling corruption by offering police officers bribes in exchange of their freedom after committing offences.
“I would like to warn the public that the police will not tolerate any form of corruption or anyone who offers bribes to police officers.
Offenders shall be arrested and prosecuted,” said Snr Asst Comm Charamba.
Online Reporter