MEASLY US$15 BRIBE LANDS TRAFFIC COP IN JAIL: Harare officer caged for abuse of duty

B-Metro Reporter

A POLICE officer who tried to shake down a motorist for just US$15 is now behind bars after being convicted of criminal abuse of duty.

Abel Musimeki (35), stationed at ZRP Milton Park in Harare, was sentenced to 10 months effective imprisonment by the Zvishavane Magistrates’ Court for demanding a bribe during an illegal stop in Mandava.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the incident happened on 19 September 2024 at Ruswa Complex in Mandava.
Musimeki stopped a Toyota Funcargo, claiming it was not properly registered. He ordered the driver to fetch the owner of the car, Edwin Rangarirai Mahosi, an auto-electrician.

“The offender falsely claimed to be on an official vehicle licensing operation and threatened to impound the car unless he was paid,” said the NPAZ in a statement.
Fearing the worst, Mahosi handed over US$15. But after speaking to a friend, he became suspicious and reported the incident to the police. Musimeki was later tracked down and arrested.

The court sentenced him to 16 months imprisonment, with four months suspended for five years on condition of good behavior. Another two months were suspended on the condition he pays back the US$15 he extorted. That left him with 10 months to serve behind bars.

“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with upholding the law, not abusing their authority for personal gain,” the NPAZ said.
“This conviction reinforces the NPAZ’s commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining public trust in the justice delivery system.”