Traffic Cops run helter scatter after being busted by Anti-corruption Unit

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MOTORISTS and travellers were reportedly treated to a free movie when two police officers manning a roadblock allegedly escaped in a dramatic chase with cash they had been allegedly paid as bribe after members of the internal investigations and anti-corruption unit swooped on them.

The dramatic incident occurred on 22 December at around 9pm along the Bulawayo–Harare highway.

According to a police source business came to a standstill at the roadblock when a detective constable and a constable based at Bulawayo Central Police Station escaped into the bush with members of the internal investigations in hot pursuit.

It is reported that the two police officers who were believed to be in possession of bribe money escaped with the “loot” apparently as a way to get rid of evidence that they had been collecting bribes.

It is alleged that members of the internal investigations tried in vain to chase the two but could not cope with their “lightning” speed.

Afterwards, an extensive search in the bush was also conducted but to no avail.

“There was drama at a roadblock along Bulawayo-Harare Highway after two police detectives escaped in a dramatic chase with cash they have been allegedly paid as bribe. This was after members of the internal investigations approached them intending to conduct searches for money.

“After sensing danger the detective constable and a constable from Bulawayo Central who were all believed to be in possession of bribe money escaped into the bush with members of the internal investigations and anti-corruption unit in hot pursuit.

“They however, failed to apprehend them. Members of the internal investigations later searched the remaining officers on the block and managed to arrest one constable who had $23 in his pockets and had only declared $5 before going on roadblock duty.

“He was then taken to Bulawayo Central Police Station for further management of the case,” said the source who requested strict anonymity for fear of reprisal.

When contacted for comment Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango referred this reporter to national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi who, however, could not be reached for comment by the time of going to print.

Earlier this year, a police officer Bishop Mwembwe stationed at Mzilikazi police station caused a scene when he allegedly chewed up two $1 notes when a colleague caught him red-handed receiving $3 bribe money to allow three football fans entry at the $5-per-person “Wing’ terrace during an epic clash between Highlanders and Dynamos at Barbourfields Stadium.

Source-B metro