A MEMBER of the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the support unit based in Buchwa was yesterday convicted by a Gweru magistrate for receiving $20 bribe from a chicken hawker who had no permit to trade the birds. OWN CORRESPONDENT
Simbarashe Murozvi aged 33, who resides at ZRP Mkoba, met the complainant, Mandlenkosi Moyo who had slaughtered chickens and placed them in the boot of his car, but did not have a trading permit.
Murozvi asked for a bribe from Moyo for him to avoid arrest, but the trader proceeded to Gweru Central Police Station, where a trap was set up, leading to the arrest of the police officer.
In passing judgment, Gweru magistrate Vimbai Makora said Murozvi had failed to account for the money handed to him by Moyo before convicting him of criminal abuse of duty. Makora will deliver sentence on the matter today.
Prosecutor, Munyaradzi Guvheya told the court that sometime in May last year, Murozvi in the company of a Detective Constable Dzimbanhete met Moyo, who had slaughtered chickens.
After Moyo failed to produce a permit for selling the birds, Murozvi asked him (Moyo) to settle the matter without being arrested.
Moyo then reported the matter to the police and a trap was set.
Moyo phoned Murozvi so they meet in town and the trader gave the cop two $10 notes and was immediately arrested by police details after receiving the bribe.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
In his defence Murozvi said he never asked for a bribe from Moyo, but it was the trader who constantly phoned him asking to meet him.
He said when they met in town, Moyo greeted him, placing the $20 in his palms before fleeing from the scene.
He said he was surprised when police officers immediately surrounded him before effecting an arrest.
