Four Unlicensed Taxi Operators Arrested After Allegedly Trying to Bribe Police
Four men operating illegal taxis, known locally as “mushikashika”, were arrested along the highway between Bulawayo and Beitbridge after they reportedly tried to bribe police officers.
The incident occurred near the 125km mark of the road, where police had set up a roadblock as part of an ongoing initiative to crack down on unauthorized taxi services. When officers stopped the four men – identified as Mbuso Ncube, Busisane Ncube, Pineas Sibanda and Tawanda Rugara – they offered the police R400 in an attempt to secure their release without facing charges.
However, the officers refused the bribe and proceeded to place the men under arrest. National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the four individuals were taken into custody after offering money to officers carrying out their lawful duties.
In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi warned others against attempting to bribe law enforcement. While some may see it as a way to avoid penalties for violations, offering bribes will only lead to further legal consequences.
“Police officers who were deployed at a roadblock at the 125km-peg along Bulawayo-Beitbridge road arrested mushikashika operators comprising; Mbuso Ncube, Busisane Ncube, Pineas Sibanda and Tawanda Rugara for bribery.
“The suspects offered police officers a total of R400 bribe to buy their freedom,” he said.
