Mutare – A shocking confrontation unfolded at a roadblock near Mutare Teachers College on December 11th, 2024, when two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers allegedly assaulted investigators from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
The incident, which has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police conduct, involved Sergeant Mduduzi Makina (39) and Constable Elliot Gava (42), who now face criminal charges of obstruction of justice and resisting a peace officer.
The altercation erupted during a ZACC investigation into allegations of bribery at the roadblock. A ZACC investigations team had descended upon the checkpoint as part of their operation. Their aim was to gather evidence related to the bribery claims. As part of this operation, the ZACC investigators seized a declaration book, a key piece of evidence in their investigation.
However, the seemingly routine seizure quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. According to reports, Sergeant Makina and Constable Gava intervened, physically assaulting the ZACC investigators. The officers allegedly manhandled the ZACC team, causing injuries in the process. Furthermore, they forcibly retrieved the roadblock declaration book, attempting to obstruct the ongoing ZACC investigation. The actions of the two officers directly interfered with the lawful duties of the ZACC investigators, highlighting a blatant disregard for the anti-corruption efforts underway.
The brazen assault underscores a worrying trend of resistance to anti-corruption initiatives. The incident raises serious concerns about the potential for collusion between corrupt police officers and those engaging in bribery. The actions of Makina and Gava represent a direct challenge to the authority of the ZACC and undermine the fight against corruption within the police force itself.
The two accused officers appeared in Mutare Magistrate Court yesterday to answer to the charges against them.
The ZACC investigation into the alleged bribery at the roadblock was already underway when the assault occurred. The details of the alleged bribery scheme are yet to be fully disclosed, but the assault on the investigators suggests a possible attempt to cover up or obstruct the investigation.
The physical assault on the ZACC team represents a significant escalation of the challenges faced by those working to combat corruption in Zimbabwe.
