By Takudziridzwa Nyama
A Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Peter Loverage Mombe, has been convicted of Criminal Abuse of Duty after demanding a US$800 bribe to release an impounded truck carrying lithium ore.
He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
Circumstances as provided by National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) are that at Engen Service Station, opposite VID Eastlea in Harare, Mombe solicited a bribe from the truck owner Francis Nembire, whose vehicle had been seized for allegedly transporting lithium ore without a removal permit.
After repeatedly calling the complainant demanding the bribe, the truck owner reported the case to Police Internal Investigations, leading to a sting operation being set up with trap money.
The complainant met the offender at Engen Service Station, where he handed over US$800 wrapped in tissue paper. As soon as he received the money, the offender saw officers closing in and attempted to flee, throwing away the cash. He was apprehended on the spot.