Harare, Zimbabwe — A kombi driver and a conductor have been arrested in connection with a viral bribery video that showed two police officers allegedly accepting cash from motorists.
The video, which sparked widespread public outcry, led to the arrest of the two officers, Sergeant James Chifamba (46) and Constable Trymore Mukunza (36), who have since appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs. Marehwanazvo Gofa on charges of criminal abuse of office.
They were remanded in custody until November 11 as investigations continue.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests of the kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima (31), and the conductor, Ishamel Gonyora, on charges of bribery.
According to Commissioner Nyathi, the two were apprehended at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa on November 6, following their identification from the viral footage.
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“Following the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s press statement on the arrest of Sergeant James Chifamba and Constable Trymore Mukunza, who were seen in a viral video accepting bribes from pirate kombis, taxis, and registered public service vehicles, the police confirm the arrest of a kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima, and a conductor, Ishamel Gonyora, who were captured offering bribes to these officers,” Nyathi said.
The incident allegedly took place along the Harare-Mutare Road, near the Mabvuku turn-off. As part of the ongoing investigation, police impounded two Toyota Hiace commuter omnibuses with registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264, which were reportedly involved in the bribery.
According to police investigations, Madzima, driving a Toyota Hiace with registration ABZ 1395, was seen in the video approaching one of the officers to offer a bribe.
Gonyora, acting as the conductor of another kombi with registration number ABZ 8264, was also captured in the footage offering cash to the officers. Both vehicles were seized as evidence, and police are working to identify and locate other suspects potentially involved in the bribery operation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity within public service and has reiterated its commitment to enforcing justice on both sides of the law.
“The police are actively pursuing other suspects implicated in this case. Motorists are urged to avoid offering bribes to law enforcement officers, as strict action will be taken to uphold the law,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
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