There was drama at the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) provincial complex here on Tuesday afternoon when one of the officials who had been cornered by undercover detectives reportedly swallowed US$60 he had received as a bribe to facilitate the issuance of a certificate of competency (driver’s licence).

Bekimpilo Sithole (46) of Rhodene allegedly received US$100 in US$20 and US$10 denominations and was arrested by undercover police detectives before he could swallow all the money.

The detectives managed to recover US$40 after wrestling him as he allegedly tried to destroy all the evidence.

The arrest resulted in a near stampede outside Masvingo Provincial Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters as driving school instructors and their bosses sought to negotiate Sithole’s release.

The arrest comes in the wake of incessant reports of corruption by VID officers who were reportedly demanding “facilitation fees” ranging from US$100 to US$150 to issue driver’s licences.

Allegations are that the officials were part of a well-knit syndicate involving driving schools, with instructors acting as the facilitators.

Most VID officers across Masvingo lead flashy lifestyles and own several properties whose value is inconsistent with their earnings.

Masvingo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Charity Mazula yesterday confirmed Sithole’s arrest.

She said investigations were continuing with Sithole expected to appear in court soon.-The Herald