Three Police Officers Granted Bail After Being Caught Soliciting US$40 Bribe At Illegal Roadblock

Three Zimbabwean police officers accused of demanding a US$40 bribe from a motorist at an illegal roadblock along Harare Street were granted bail of US$100 each by Magistrate Jesse Kufa on Monday. Tendai Arimoni, Webster Mabhugu, and Taurai Masere, who were facing charges of criminal abuse of office, were released on bail following their court appearance.

The State alleges that on December 31, 2025, the three officers set up an unsanctioned roadblock along Harare Street, targeting vehicles driving against a one-way street. While conducting this unauthorized operation, their activities were being monitored by the Harare Anti-Corruption Unit. According to the prosecution, the officers stopped a white Mercedes Benz, registration number AFX 9209, driven by Brian Mpofu, who was accompanied by his friend, Obey Taruvinga .  Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

The officers allegedly informed Mpofu that he was under arrest for driving against a one-way street and ordered him to drive in the direction of Harare Central Police Station. Along the way, Arimoni allegedly demanded US$150 as a fine but then offered to accept a US$40 bribe to let him go. Mpofu reportedly borrowed US$35 from Taruvinga and added US$5 of his own to meet the bribe demand. The money was handed to Arimoni, after which Mpofu was released . Follow our facebook page

Without the knowledge of the officers, members of the Harare Province Anti-Corruption Unit had been observing their activities from a distance. After Mpofu was released, the anti-corruption officers intercepted him, recorded his statement, and launched an investigation. The accused officers fled the scene but were later tracked down and arrested .