Two police officers to face prosecution for bribery along Mutare Road in viral video

ZIMSPHERE 

HARARE – A video recording showing two members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) seemingly collecting bribes from motorists along Mutare Road that went viral over the past weekend will be used as evidence to prosecute the two officers in court. 

The two officers, James Chifamba (46) from Retreat Farm Harare and Trynire Mukunza (36) from Seke, appeared in court yesterday on criminal abuse of duty as public officer charge.

They were remanded in custody to November 11 pending their bail ruling by Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa.

According to the state papers, part of the evidence found to arrest the police officers is a clear video recording of the events of the day in question.

Additionally a witness statement of the senior officers responsible for duty allocation and deployment of the accused persons is also available as evidence.

Representing the state, prosecutor, Anesu Chirenje, alleges that on November 2, after Mabvuku traffic lights along Mutare Road towards Harare, the accused persons were deployed on duty to conduct traffic enforcement duties. 

The two had specific duties to stop motor vehicles and check for any violations. 

Contrary to this assigned duty the accused persons would not check for violations but proceed to wait for the drivers of vehicle to approach them.

The charge alleges that they would have a brief conversation and receive various items. 

This they did to show favour to the motorists in question and in so doing acted contrary to their duties.