Three police officers stationed at ZRP Murehwa have appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as public officers after they were allegedly caught soliciting and receiving bribes from commuter omnibus crews.
The accused are Prosper Muchangania of Zimbiru Village under Chief Chinamhora, Shelton Masvande, and Mercy Makarimai, also of Zimbiru Village. All three were stationed at ZRP Murehwa and attached to Chinamhora Base at the time of the alleged offence.
According to the State, on December 21, 2025, detectives were deployed to monitor traffic police officers suspected of demanding and receiving bribes from motorists.
At the 21-kilometre peg along the Harare–Domboshava Road near Nyambirai Farm, the detectives allegedly observed the three officers conducting an unsanctioned traffic blitz.
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During the operation, two commuter omnibuses, registration numbers AHA 2282 and AFQ 3791, were stopped by Masvande. Conductors from both vehicles were allegedly seen handing over money to Makarimai, who was in possession of a Z69J receipt book.
Instead of issuing receipts, Makarimai allegedly passed the money to Muchangania, who pocketed it. A subsequent search by detectives at the scene reportedly led to the recovery of US$975 from Muchangania’s trouser pockets.
Further investigations revealed that the Z69J receipt book had not been used that day, and there was no official record authorising the officers’ deployment at the location. The trio had also allegedly failed to declare any money at the beginning of their shift, as required by police protocol.
The State alleges that the officers abused their authority by soliciting and accepting bribes, in violation of their duties as public servants.
The matter is still before the courts.
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