Police Officer Sentenced for Soliciting Bribe in Zimbabwe

A Zimbabwean police officer, Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for soliciting an US$800 bribe from a truck owner. The case involved extensive investigations and culminated in a sting operation where Mombe was caught accepting the bribe at a service station.

A police officer in Zimbabwe has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for soliciting a bribe of US$800. Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, aged 36, faced charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer after demanding the bribe at the Engen Service Station in Eastlea, Harare, on August 2, 2023. He targeted truck owner Francis Nembire, whose vehicle had been seized for allegedly transporting lithium ore without the necessary removal permit.

After soliciting the bribe, Nembire initially promised to pay Mombe later. However, following repeated phone calls from Mombe demanding the kick-back, Nembire reported the incident to the ZRP Internal Investigations Unit. This led to the establishment of a sting operation involving trap money, allowing investigators to proceed with caution.

During the operation, Nembire met with Mombe at the service station, where the officer accepted the bribe. As the transaction was unfolding, police detectives intervened. Realizing his predicament, Mombe attempted to escape by discarding the cash but was swiftly apprehended by authorities on the scene.

In conclusion, Constable Peter Loverage Mombe’s conviction highlights the ongoing issues of corruption within law enforcement in Zimbabwe. His case underscores the commitment of the ZRP to investigate and take punitive actions against corrupt practices among officers. The successful sting operation led by the ZRP Internal Investigations Unit demonstrates the efforts being made to combat corruption in the police force, which may help restore public trust.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com