admin Gibson Mhaka
SIX police officers in Bulawayo attached to the reaction group section were arrested and are being charged with abuse of office after they allegedly took $20 from fuel dealers accused of operating without licences.
The six cops, Khephias Makiya (28), Bhekimpilo Dhlamini (34), Kennedy Takavarasha (25), Gift Kadenhe (26) George Maqhawe Ncube (29) and Bass Pedzisai have since appeared in court before Bulawayo magistrate Sithembile Ncube.
They are being charged with abuse of duty as public officers as defined in section 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
They are, however, denying the charge and were remanded out of custody to 13 July for trial.
Allegations against them are that while on duty and patrolling in Cowdray Park they went to an area known as a�?Sign Posta�? as the place is popularly known in the suburb where they found Charles Chashamba and his colleagues selling fuel.
Upon their arrival, it is alleged that they, all in uniform, called Chashamba to their vehicle and informed him that they were on an operation raiding illegal fuel dealers.
They reportedly told him that he and his colleagues were under arrest before they demanded an undisclosed amount of money to release the dealers.
It is alleged that in a desperate bid to make Chashamba and his colleagues bow down to their demands they took their fuel before they instructed Chashamba to follow them with the money.
After sometime, it is alleged that Chashamba followed them and handed over $20 to Ncube before they gave him back the fuel they had confiscated.
Chashamba who suspected that he had been duped by the police officers since they did not give him a receipt went and reported the matter at Luveve Police Station.
Investigations later led to the arrest of the accused and their subsequent appearance in court.
Online Reporter