THIRTEEN police officers in Bulawayo were arrested for allegedly soliciting and accepting a US$10 bribe from a commuter omnibus crew.

The accused persons who are all stationed at Bulawayo Central Police Station, were arrested by a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) team after an unidentified whistle-blower captured them on video while they were allegedly receiving the bribe before posting it on social media where it is now circulating.

Constables Mathias Siziba (29) of Mpopoma, Everisto Choto (30) of Mzilikazi, Sithabile Mthombeni (37) of Entumbane, Reason Mabhena (32) of Pumula South, Annastancia Nkomo (31) of ZRP Ross Camp, Witness Ndlovu (31) of ZRP Mabutweni Camp, Admire Chimunda (33) of ZRP Nkulumane Camp, Isaiah Siziba (30) of Nketa, Felix Ndawana (28) of Nkulumane, Blessing Maranke (26) of ZRP Stops Hostels Ross Camp, Nation Gilson (35) of ZRP Sauerstown, Shepherd Ndlovu (34) Mzilikazi and Reuben Mugundu (31) of Sizinda were arrested on Tuesday.

They appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya yesterday facing bribery charges.

They were remanded out of custody to May 8 on their own cognisance.

The prosecutor, Mr Terrence Chakabuda said on March 30 at around 8AM, the accused persons were patrolling the streets of Bulawayo’s central business district where they were controlling the movement of both human and vehicular traffic during the Covid-19 lockdown when they intercepted a Mercedes Benz Sprinter at the intersection of Josiah Tongogara Street and 4th Avenue.

“They blocked and stopped a commuter omnibus and demanded bribes from the crew for allegedly disregarding lockdown regulations,” said Mr Chakabuda.

The court heard that the unsuspecting cops were captured on video by a whistle-blower while allegedly receiving the US$10 from one Thulani Ndlela.-State media