Kombi Driver and Conductor Arrested for Bribing Police in Ruwa

Tinashe Madzima (31), a kombi driver, and his conductor, Ishmael Gonyora, were arrested on Wednesday at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa on charges of bribery.

Their arrests followed a recent crackdown by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) after the detention of two police officers implicated in a viral video.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Sergeant James Chifamba and Constable Trymore Mukunza accepting bribes from pirate kombis, taxis, and registered public service vehicles along the Harare-Mutare Road, near the Mabvuku turn-off.

ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that Madzima and Gonyora were identified in the footage, where they were seen attempting to bribe the officers.

As part of the investigation, police impounded two Toyota Hiace kombis, with registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264. Madzima was reportedly driving the kombi registered as ABZ 1395 when he approached a police officer to offer a bribe, while Gonyora was seen doing the same from the other vehicle.

The ZRP is actively pursuing additional suspects involved in this bribery scheme and has urged motorists to refrain from offering bribes, emphasizing that swift action will be taken against violators.

The public is encouraged to report incidents of bribery or corruption to the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, or at any local police station.

Meanwhile, officers Chifamba and Mukunza appeared before Harare Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa, facing charges of criminal abuse of office.

Written submissions from both the State and defense counsel were expected by Friday, with a ruling scheduled for November 11. The State claims that the officers neglected their duties by accepting bribes instead of conducting proper traffic checks.