In a shocking turn of events, a Zimbabwe Republic Police constable has been arrested for criminal abuse of office after taking a bribe from a commuter omnibus driver in the presence of members of the Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO).
The incident, which occurred on September 21 along the Harare-Marondera Road, has sent ripples through the police force and raised serious questions about corruption within the ranks.
Personal Dzuramera (41), a constable on duty during a road traffic blitz, stopped a Caravan commuter omnibus with registration number AGL 4031. He demanded a US$30 fine from the driver, who claimed to only have US$10 in his possession.
Dzuramera, instead of issuing a ticket or taking the driver to the nearest police station, accepted the US$10 bribe and gave the driver US$5 in change, claiming it would be used to pay a tollgate fee.
This brazen act of corruption took place in full view of four SARACO members who were passengers in the kombi, along with two other commuters. The SARACO members, witnessing the blatant disregard for the law, disembarked from the vehicle and confronted Dzuramera.
They identified themselves as anti-corruption officers, prompting Dzuramera to hastily remove US$10 from his pocket and throw it on the ground, along with an exercise book he was holding. Fortunately, the money was immediately retrieved by a SARACO intelligence officer.
Dzuramera was subsequently taken to Dema Police Station, where a docket was compiled under case number ZRP Dema RRB 6052555. He is expected to appear in court soon.
Chief Superintendent Chokuda from the Police General Headquarters Internal Investigations department has been notified and instructed the officer-in-charge at Dema to ensure that the case is handled swiftly and that the accused is brought to justice.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle against corruption in Zimbabwe. While the police force is tasked with upholding the law, instances like this demonstrate the need for increased vigilance and accountability within the ranks.
SARACO: Fighting Corruption in Southern Africa
The Southern Africa Regional Anti-Corruption Organisation (SARACO) is a regional body established to combat corruption and promote good governance in Southern Africa. Founded in 1997, SARACO comprises member states from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The organisation plays a crucial role in supporting member states in developing and implementing anti-corruption strategies, fostering regional cooperation on corruption-related issues, and providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies.
SARACO also promotes public awareness of corruption and its detrimental effects on society. Through its various programmes and initiatives, the organisation seeks to empower citizens to play an active role in the fight against corruption. The incident involving Dzuramera demonstrates the importance of SARACO’s work and its commitment to ensuring that corruption is tackled head-on across the region.
