Zimbabwe Police Officer Sentenced for Attempted Bribery

Constable Peter Loverage Mombe was sentenced to ten months in prison for soliciting an $800 bribe after seizing a truck for alleged illegal transport of lithium ore. The bribe demand led to a police sting operation that resulted in his apprehension at the scene after attempting to flee.

A member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Constable Peter Loverage Mombe, has been sentenced to ten months in prison for soliciting an $800 bribe. The conviction arose from a case presented at the Harare Magistrates Court where he was charged with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

The incident occurred on August 2, 2023, at the Engen Service Station in Eastlea, Harare. Mombe demanded a bribe from truck owner Francis Nembire after seizing his vehicle for allegedly transporting lithium ore without the necessary removal permit. Nembire expressed his intention to facilitate the payment, leading to numerous calls from Mombe demanding the bribe.

In response to Mombe’s continued pressure, Nembire reported the matter to the ZRP Internal Investigations Unit, which then orchestrated a sting operation using marked money. During the operation, Nembire met with Mombe at the service station, where the handover of the money took place. Upon realizing he was being monitored, Mombe attempted to flee; however, he was apprehended by police officers on the scene, even after discarding the cash.

Constable Peter Loverage Mombe’s conviction highlights the ongoing issue of corruption within law enforcement. The incident demonstrates the importance of internal investigations and accountability mechanisms in addressing police misconduct. With a ten-month prison sentence, this case serves as a warning against soliciting bribes and reinforces the commitment to combat corruption in Zimbabwe’s police force.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com