Police Officer Convicted and Jailed for Attempted Bribery in Zimbabwe

Constable Peter Loverage Mombe of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has been convicted and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for soliciting an $800 bribe from a truck owner. The incident led to a sting operation after the victim reported repeated demands for payment. Mombe was apprehended soon after accepting the trap money.

A police officer from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for soliciting an $800 bribe. He faced one count of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. During a court hearing at the Harare Magistrates Court, he was convicted following a comprehensive trial regarding the bribery charge.

The incident occurred on August 2, 2023, at an Engen Service Station in Harare. Mombe solicited a bribe from truck owner Francis Nembire after seizing his vehicle on suspicions of transporting lithium ore without a proper removal permit. Although Nembire initially promised to pay, he reported the demands to the ZRP Internal Investigations Unit after receiving repeated calls from Mombe.

Subsequently, a sting operation was organized, where Nembire was instructed to meet with Mombe at the service station. During the meeting, Mombe accepted the trap money. When police detectives approached, Mombe attempted to escape by discarding the cash but was captured on-site. This incident underscores the efforts to combat corruption within law enforcement in Zimbabwe.

Constable Peter Loverage Mombe’s conviction highlights the legal consequences for public officers engaging in corrupt practices. His soliciting of a bribe and subsequent apprehension reinforces the commitment of the Zimbabwe Republic Police to address misconduct. The successful sting operation exemplifies the importance of internal investigations in upholding integrity within the police force.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com