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Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Four senior police officers in Harare and Murehwa have been implicated in soliciting bribes from casual workers and accused persons in exchange of favours, in separate incidents.The four are Francisca Mugorogodi (an assistant inspector), Nyamuzihwa (a chief inspector), Oscar Mutandiro (rank not given) and Chris Chinaka (a detective constable).
Mugorogodi allegedly solicited for money from 12 casual workers at Harare Central Police Station in exchange of renewing their employment contracts.
During Mugorogodi’s trial, the complainant Mavis Tayo – in her-evidence-in-chief – implicated Nyamuzihwa in the extortion scam.
She alleged that the two demanded US$20 each from each of the workers every month, between May 2012 and December last year.
Mugorogodi is facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer and was summoned to appear before Harare magistrate Ms Bianca Makwande for trial on Monday.
She denies the charges.
Mugorogodi is being represented by Mr Knowledge Maeresera of Maeresera and Partners while Mr Thomas Mabwe prosecuted.
Mutandiro appeared before magistrate Mr Douglas Chikwekwe on the same day facing the same charges after he allegedly demanded US$100 to facilitate the release of an accused person in the police holding cells.
It is alleged Tawanda Kasu was arrested for a traffic offence. Mutandiro allegedly solicited for a bribe from Kasu’s friend, James Shava, so that he would release him without going to court.
On allegedly getting US$60 from Shava, he released Kasu. Mutandiro was remanded out of custody to February 17. Chinaka appeared before magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei on charges of bribery.
It is alleged he demanded US$150 to facilitate the release of Tinotenda Chimusoro and his accomplices from the police holding cells, and a further US$1 000 for him not to take the matter to court.
Chimusoro and his alleged accomplices were at Murehwa Police Station on allegations of illegally possessing gold and mercury.
He was remanded in custody to today for bail application.
Mr Admire Rubaya of Rubaya and Chatambudza Legal Practitioners is appearing on his behalf.
Online Reporter