By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Karoi Magistrates’ Court has convicted Constable Farai Mukwasi of criminal abuse of duty for soliciting a bribe. Mukwasi was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended on condition of good behavior.
The remaining 18 months were suspended on condition that he performs 630 hours of community service.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), a joint operation by seven ZRP officers and eight Zimbabwe National Parks Rangers targeted illegal fishing and other criminal activities in Sanyati Gorge and Kings Camp. 23 arrests were made.
One of the arrested persons Portia Mairos’ residence at Kings Camp, was searched leading to the discovery of 22 twists of dagga. She was detained at Chalala police post overnight.
At around 0200 hours, Constable Mukwasi, the offender allegedly solicited for a US$50 from Portia Mairos for her release from the charge office, where she had been sleeping. She paid the bribe and was released.
She was promptly re-arrested at Chalala Harbour at 0700hrs. She then revealed that she had paid the Mukwasi for her release and that he had escorted her to the harbour.
To hide the offence the Mukwasi had receipted a US$15 from Mairos for Disorderly Conduct, and not possession of dagga, effectively changing the charge to a lesser offence.