By A Correspondent- A fake police officer was arrested after demanding an US$80 bribe from a motorist whom he had arrested for violating COVID-19 regulations.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) reported the case saying the fake cop’s accomplices escaped a citizen’s arrest. Said the police on Twitter:

The ZRP confirms the arrest of Leon Mukunga (52) for impersonation and extortion, on 18/08/21 at about 0900 hrs. The suspect, together with three other accomplices who are still at large, arrested a motorist driving a Honda Fit for allegedly breaching COVID-19 regulations.

One of the suspects took control of the vehicle and demanded a US$80 bribe from the complainant. They were given US$60 before the complainant called for help and wrestled the suspect as others escaped.

Many people have been arrested for impersonating police officers, soldiers and central intelligence officers (CIOs) to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

Some have been using identity cards and or uniforms of members of the security sector to commit crimes including armed robberies and rape.

Recently, a fake soldier was arrested for sexually assaulting and or robbing 19 women in Harare.