Zimbabwe Police Officer Sentenced for Attempted Bribery

Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, a ZRP officer, was sentenced to ten months in prison for soliciting an $800 bribe from a truck owner. Following a series of demanding phone calls, the truck owner reported Mombe to the authorities, leading to a sting operation that resulted in his arrest at Engen Service Station.

A police officer from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, has been sentenced to ten months in prison after being convicted of soliciting a bribe of $800. His trial concluded at the Harare Magistrates Court, where he faced charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

The case originated on August 2, 2023, when Mombe demanded a bribe from a truck owner, Francis Nembire, whose vehicle had been seized for allegedly transporting lithium ore without a permit. Nembire agreed to the payment, but after receiving numerous pressure-laden phone calls from Mombe, he reported the situation to the ZRP Internal Investigations Unit, prompting a sting operation.

During the operation, Nembire met with Mombe at the Engen Service Station, where the corrupt transaction took place using trap money. As the police detectives moved in to make the arrest, Mombe recognized the situation and attempted to escape by discarding the cash but was apprehended immediately at the scene.

In summary, Constable Peter Loverage Mombe’s conviction highlights the issue of police corruption within Zimbabwe’s law enforcement. His solicitation of a bribe and subsequent arrest underscores the importance of integrity in public service and the effectiveness of internal investigations in combating corruption.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com