Kombi conductors nabbed for bribery

Zvikomborero Parafini
TWO commuter omnibus conductors landed in the dock over the weekend after they allegedly bribed police officers in two separate cases.

Thomas Tayengwa, 24, was not asked to plead when he appeared before a Harare magistrate over the weekend.

Tayengwa, who stays in Epworth, is employed as a commuter omnibus conductor.

The complainant in the matter is Newton Chakanyuka, who is a police officer.

The court heard that last week, Tayengwa was stopped at a roadblock on his way to town.

He allegedly disembarked and handed US$10 to Chakanyuka, who was manning the roadblock.

The money was for free passage at the roadblock.

Tayengwa was arrested at the roadblock and the money was seized as an exhibit, which will be produced during trial.

Clive Phiri also appeared before the same court facing bribery charges.

The complainant is the State, represented by Patrick Matare, who is a police officer.

Phiri, who stays in Epworth, is also employed as a kombi conductor.

The court heard that on June 16, along Twentydales Road, Phiri was in his commuter omnibus when the kombi was stopped at a police road block.

Phiri allegedly disembarked and gave Matare US$2 for free passage.

Phiri was arrested and the money was seized as an exhibit which will be produced as an exhibit during trial.