Two Police Officers Arrested in Mutare Over US$5,000 Bribe
Two Zimbabwe Republic Police officers stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Minerals in Mutare have been arrested for soliciting and receiving a US$5,000 bribe.
The officers, Taona Zhou (37) and Observant Tinashe Marodza (37), are facing charges of extortion and bribery following a trap operation conducted by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Also Read: Three Harare Police Officers Arrested After Extorting US$40 Bribe From a Motorist
Court Appearance and Bail
Zhou and Marodza appeared on Saturday before Harare Magistrate Jesse Kufa, where each was granted bail of US$100. They are accused of demanding bribe money from a transport operator to facilitate the release of trucks carrying mineral ore destined for Mozambique.
Prosecutors said the accused “acted unlawfully” by soliciting and receiving the bribe in connection with their official duties. They face charges of extortion under Section 134 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, or alternatively bribery under Section 170 of the same Act. Proceedings have been remanded to a later date.
Bribery Scheme Exposed
The National Prosecuting Authority says the transport operator, Tawanda Zimbowa, had been contracted to move mineral ore for a Chinese client when trouble began. On March 21, 2026, CID officers in Mutare, including Zhou, reportedly stopped the trucks and temporarily confiscated the drivers’ passports and vehicle registration documents.
Authorities claim Zhou told the drivers that their consignments had false declaration papers and advised them to hold off until the matter was clarified. While the documents were eventually returned, the officers allegedly demanded US$5,000 to allow the trucks to proceed through the border. Prosecutors also said a previous bribe of US$15,000 had been paid to the officers but was not shared with other officials as allegedly agreed.
ZACC Sting Operation
The incident was reported to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), which set up a trap to catch the officers in the act. On March 26, ZACC personnel accompanied the complainant to a meeting in central Mutare. The accused reportedly confirmed they were ready to receive the bribe and led the complainant to a nearby location.
As the money was handed over under surveillance, Zhou opened the vehicle door, at which point ZACC officers intervened and arrested both men on the spot.
A search of the vehicle reportedly recovered the marked trap money on the front seat, providing clear evidence of the bribery.
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