THREE cops stationed at Dzivarasekwa Police Station yesterday appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court facing a charge of criminal abuse of office.
Kevin Mareyanadzo (37), Likwa Moyo (40) and Vongai Munapo (33) were remanded to February 2 on US$150 bail each by magistrate Jessie Kufa.
They were ordered not to interfere with witnesses until the matter is finalised.
The prosecution alleges that on Monday this week, members of Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Provincial Anti-Corruption Team received a tip-off that a police officer was illicitly taking fingerprints from unsuspecting people in the basement parking lot at Customs House, corner Mayor Urimbo Terrace and South Avenue.
Acting on the information, the anti-graft team went to the basement, which is opposite Harare Central Police and saw Mareyanadzo in the company of six people who were completing fingerprint forms for police clearance.
The court heard that the civilians were interviewed and it was discovered that the accused demanded US$10 from each person.
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The anti-corruption squad searched Mareyanadzo’s vehicle and recovered makeshift fingerprint and uplifting equipment, and copies of fingerprints which were allegedly vetted.
The police interviewed Mareyanadzo, who implicated Moyo and Munapo, leading to their arrest.
It was also discovered that Mareyanadzo is not stationed at Harare Central, but rather was from Dzivarasekwa Police Station.