Five ZRP Traffic Officers Arrested After Demanding US$540 Bribe From Motorist

US$540 Bribe Demand Leads To Arrest Of 5 ZRP Officers

In a dramatic sting operation, five Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) traffic officers from Marondera have been arrested. They are accused of demanding a US$540 (approximately R10,000) bribe from a motorist. The operation was a joint effort between police internal investigators and the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO).

The incident unfolded last week when the officers, manning a roadblock, flagged down motorist Craig Nyandoro. They allegedly accused him of driving a recently imported vehicle without the proper paperwork.

The Sting Is Set

According to SARACO director Paddington Kadzungura, the motorist did, in fact, have the correct documents. The officers allegedly insisted on a payment regardless. Kadzungura confirmed the arrests and identified the suspects as Sergeant Mugutso and Constables Dzomba, Chabhanga, Rusinga, and Madondo. He detailed how the situation escalated from a traffic stop to an extortion case.

“They forcibly extorted US$540 from him and his frustration led to a report being filed at SARACO through one of its assistant deputy directors who immediately alerted the office,” Kadzungura said.

Following the report, a plan was quickly put into action. Communication was established with senior police officials to coordinate the response.

The Plot To Get The Money Back

The investigators advised Nyandoro on how to proceed. He was told to communicate with the officers to demand his money back, but to avoid finalising any deal until the arrest team was in place. This strategy was designed to catch the officers in the act of handling the illicit funds.

“The police officers sensing danger attempted to negotiate with the accused begging him not to report the matter and promising that they will return the money,” the statement from Kadzungura read. “However, the complainant was advised not to entertain the accused persons until proper arrangements were made which would lead to their arrest.”

This critical phase of the operation revealed the officers’ growing anxiety as they realised the potential consequences of their actions.

The Dramatic Apprehension

On Thursday, a team comprising two SARACO officials and five officers from Police General Headquarters (PGHQ) Internal Investigations travelled to Marondera. The local officer-in-charge was briefed on the sensitive operation.

“The accused persons who had gone to a roadblock were called and arrested,” Kadzungura stated.

The five officers were taken into custody and are currently detained at Marondera Police Station. They have been charged with extortion under the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act. Their case is registered under number RRB 6245854 and they are awaiting court proceedings.