Three cops on the run

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Four police officers allegedly demanded US$20 bribe from a kombi crew they arrested for picking up passengers at an undesignated area.
Bion Ndiridza (31), who is based at ZRP Chikurubi Rural Support Unit, recently appeared in court charged with extortion.His accomplices are still at large. Magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei remanded him to August 14 on US$50 bail.

Prosecutor Mr Farai Gatsi alleged that on July 14 around 3pm at Seke flyover, Ndiridza and three accomplices arrested the kombi crew for picking up commuters on an undesignated area.

They ordered the crew to drive to Harare City council central stores under the pretext the vehicle had been impounded.

Ndiridza and his accomplices allegedly demanded money from the kombi crew for their release.

The crew had US$10 meant for refuelling. Ndiridza ordered the crew to make a U-turn and drive back to town. On the way back to town the cops demanded US$20 but were given US$15 by the driver, Shadreck Chivasa.

Ndiridza’s accomplices later got off the kombi, leaving him behind. Chivasa demanded that Ndiridza produce his police identity card but he failed.

The kombi crew then drove towards Harare Central Police Station with Ndiridza on board but ran out of fuel along the way. The Kombi crew reported Ndiridza to a policeman who was passing by, leading to his arrest.