The Karoi Magistrates’ Court has sentenced a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Constable Farai Mukwasi (60), to 24 months in prison for criminal abuse of duty, with part of the sentence suspended on condition of good behaviour and community service.
Mukwasi was found guilty of soliciting a bribe during a joint operation between the ZRP and Zimparks rangers targeting illegal fishing and related crimes in the Sanyati Gorge and Kings Camp area.
The operation, which took place on 13 August 2024, led to 23 arrests, including Portia Mairos, whose residence was searched and found to contain 22 twists of dagga. Mairos was detained overnight at Chalala police post.
At around 2 AM, Constable Mukwasi allegedly demanded US$50 from Mairos in exchange for her release. Mairos paid the bribe and was released from the charge office. However, she was re-arrested just a few hours later at Chalala Harbour at 7 AM.
Following her second arrest, Mairos revealed that she had paid Mukwasi for her release and that he had personally escorted her to the harbour.
To cover up the offence, Mukwasi altered the charge against Mairos from possession of dagga to a lesser offence of disorderly conduct, issuing a receipt for US$15.
The court sentenced Mukwasi to 24 months imprisonment, but suspended 6 months on condition of good behaviour.
The remaining 18 months were suspended on condition that he completes 630 hours of community service.
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