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Homicide cops in dock

News
There was drama at the CID Homicide officers on Wednesday when two officers allegedly switched off office lights after they were allegedly caught red-handed receiving a $300 bribe from a suspect’s wife in return for her husband’s freedom.

There was drama at the CID Homicide officers on Wednesday when two officers allegedly switched off office lights after they were allegedly caught red-handed receiving a $300 bribe from a suspect’s wife in return for her husband’s freedom.

BY PAIDAMOYO MUZULU

Shingirayi Chanaiwa and Tendai William were yesterday not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare magistrate, Elijah Makomo facing charges of criminal abuse of office, but were released by consent on $50 bail.

As part of their bail conditions, they were ordered to reside at their given addresses and not to interfere with State witnesses. They were remanded to May 3.

According to State papers the pair was carrying out investigations on Zorodzai Jimu on allegations he pointed a firearm at Samuel Shiri.

Acting in connivance, it is alleged, the two cops approached Jimu’s wife, Imagination Chitsowe, and demanded a $1 200 bribe to facilitate the release of her husband, who was in police custody.

Chitsowe, it is alleged, told the duo she could only afford to raise $600, which the officers accepted. Sensing danger Chitsowe approached police internal investigations, who set a trap for the officers.

On the day in question, the officers, while in Chitsowe’s company, left for CID Homicide with the trap money, three $100 marked bills.

“The money was handed to Chanaiwa by Chitsowe in the presence of a Constable Manhovo of internal investigation, in office 34 while William was standing guard at the door,” the State alleges.

It is further alleged upon realising they had been trapped, the officers switched off the office light, resulting in commotion in the ensuing darkness.

When the lights were turned on a few minutes later, the court heard, the trap money could not be accounted for leading to Chanaiwa and William’s arrest.

Sebastian Mutizirwa prosecuted, while the duo was represented by a Harare lawyer, Admire Rubaya.