Sundaymail Editor
TWO young police officers (most probably former police officers by now) — Desire Mangombe (30) and Macdonald Tapesa (32) — thought it was a brilliant idea to use the powers vested in them as law enforcers to run what they believed was a lucrative criminal enterprise.
As the ravenous wolves in sheep’s skin they were, they somehow targeted a transport operator whom they convinced to pay a weekly “fee” — nay bribe — to get free passage at police checkpoints.
It obviously sounded like a brilliant idea that was sure to find ready takers, for no one, least of all cash-chasing transporters, enjoys the inconvenience and hassle of being held up at a police roadblock.
So, in their own estimation, it was a tidy piece of business; one that guaranteed a steady weekly stream of dough.
For some time, however, it worked like a charm.
From January 2022, the duo got their payment from Tafadzwa Bvunzawabaya, a manager at Wolfspack Transport Services.
They were set for life, or so they thought.
However, news of these shenanigans eventually reached the Police General Headquarters — no doubt volunteered by some who felt screwed by these shameful excuses of police officers.
A trap operation using marked US dollar notes was subsequently set by the real police.
The unsuspecting duo, obviously now comfortable after doing this time without number, accepted the bribe at the station, resulting in their immediate arrest.
After being hauled before the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court, the greedy fools were convicted of criminal abuse of office and sentenced to 490 hours of community service.
It was probably less than they deserved, but losing their jobs and doing something good for the community for a change will suffice for now.
Online Reporter