Online Reporter
Prosper Dembedza
Herald Correspondent
TWO police officers appeared in court on Saturday, accused of demanding a US$5 000 bribe to release two trucks carrying mineral ore.
The officers, attached to the CID Minerals, Flora and Fauna Unit in Mutare, were caught in a sting operation led by the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC)’s Harare office.
Taona Zhou and Tinashe Marodza faced extortion and bribery charges when they appeared before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Jessie Kufa, who granted them US$100 bail each.
The complainant, Tawanda Zimbowa, a self-employed transport and logistics operator, reported the matter to ZACC after the officers demanded a bribe to release the trucks, which were ferrying mineral ore to Mozambique for a Chinese national identified as Pengz Jimming.
The trucks, driven by Zimbowa and Langford Kamanga, were intercepted by the accused officers on March 21.
The officers allegedly seized the drivers’ vehicle registration books and passports, citing false declaration papers.
After a series of negotiations, the officers demanded US$5 000. The money was handed over as part of a trap operation coordinated with ZACC investigating officers.
The investigators then intervened, apprehending the two accused and recovering the trap money, which comprised five US$100 notes bearing serial numbers PJ97354975A, PB26270934U, PB26270939U, PJ97354978A and PJ97354967A.
Further investigation indicated the accused had allegedly received a US$15 000 payment from Pengz Jimming, but failed to distribute part of the funds to other border officials as reportedly agreed. The trucks were clamped and ZIMRA officials took samples of the mineral ore for forensic examination.
The matter remains under investigation as authorities pursue all leads and prepare the case for prosecution.
