Bribe-taking cops’ case sucks in kombi crews

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 

Commissioner Paul Nyathi

Crime Reporter

A KOMBI driver and a conductor have been arrested on allegations bribing two policemen who were captured on camera allegedly pocketing bribes from motorists.

The two cops Sergeant James Chifamba (46) and Constable Trymore Mukunza (36) recently appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa facing charges of criminal abuse of office as public officers and were remanded in custody to November 11.

Following the video, police have since arrested a kombi driver and a conductor and impounded two commuter omnibuses as investigations to locate other suspects implicated in the case continue.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests of Tinashe Madzima and Ishamel Gonyora.

“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement on the arrest of two police officers, Sergeant James Chifamba and Constable Trymore Mukunza, following a viral video on social media in which the two police officers are clearly seen taking bribes from pirate kombis, taxis and registered public service vehicles along Harare-Mutare Road, Mabvuku turn-off.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima aged 31 and a conductor, Ishamel Gonyora at George Shopping Centre, Ruwa, on November 6, 2024 for bribery. The two were arrested after being identified in the viral video offering bribes to the police officers. Subsequently, the police impounded two Toyota Hiace kombis, registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264 in connection with the incident,” he said.

Investigations by the police revealed that Madzima was driving a Toyota Hiace kombi, registration number ABZ 1395 and was captured in the video approaching a police officer to offer a bribe. Meanwhile, Gonyora, the conductor of another kombi registration number ABZ 8264, was also seen offering a bribe to the police officers.

“The police are also pursuing other suspects who are implicated in this incident. The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges motorists to refrain from offering bribes to police officers as swift action will be taken against them for justice to prevail,” he said.