Three police officers stationed at Dzivarasekwa Police Station appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged with criminal abuse of office.
Kevin Mareyanadzo (37), Likwa Moyo (40) and Vongai Munapo (33) were remanded to 2 February after magistrate Jessie Kufa granted each of them bail of US$150.
They were also ordered not to interfere with witnesses until the case is finalised.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), earlier this week, officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Harare Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit received a tip-off that a police officer was illegally taking fingerprints from unsuspecting members of the public in the basement parking area at Customs House, at the corner of Mayor Urimbo Terrace and South Avenue.
Acting on the information, the anti-corruption team went to the basement, opposite Harare Central Police Station, where they found Mareyanadzo with six people who were completing fingerprint forms for police clearance.
The court heard that the civilians were interviewed and it was established that the accused officer had demanded US$10 from each person.
A search of Mareyanadzo’s vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of makeshift fingerprinting equipment and copies of fingerprints said to have been vetted.
Police later interviewed Mareyanadzo, who implicated Moyo and Munapo, leading to their arrest.
Investigations also revealed that Mareyanadzo was not stationed at Harare Central Police Station, but at Dzivarasekwa Police Station.
More: NewsDay
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