Two Zimbabwe Republic Police officers from Sakubva have been fined USD 500 each after assaulting officials from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission during a bribery investigation at Mutare Teachers College near Mutare on December 11 2024.
This event brought attention to Zimbabwe’s ongoing fight against corruption within law enforcement agencies.
A confrontation ensued after ZACC officers arrested one of ZRP officer for soliciting bribes at a roadblock, prompting two additional ZRP officers to violently assault ZACC officials and hinder their investigations.
Assault Incident
ZACC officials were conducting an anti-bribery probe near Mutare Teachers College when one of ZRP officers was detained for soliciting a bribe from motorist. While trying to take possession of the roadblock’s declaration book – crucial evidence in their probe – the situation became violent.
ZRP officers violently removed one ZACC officer from their vehicle, took control of their roadblock declaration book, and fled from the scene without making an announcement, creating significant disruption and injuring one ZACC officer during this confrontation. One of those injured demonstrated the severity of this assault.
Legal Repercussions
Following this incident, two Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers were charged with assault and obstruction of justice and fined USD 500; additionally they received four-month prison sentences suspended over five years; this legal outcome has been seen as an important step toward accountability in Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies as a measure against corruption.
Fines and suspended sentences have raised several concerns regarding their severity; nonetheless, this case exemplifies the difficulties being experienced by ZACC when fighting corruption within state institutions. Many have voiced calls for stronger deterrents as well as further investigation.
ZACC Response
In response to this attack, Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officials expressed their alarm and emphasised their dedication in uncovering any instances of corruption within both private and public sectors.
Furthermore, officials of ZACC highlighted its personnel protection as they fight bribery and corruption.
Critics have expressed various viewpoints regarding this incident. While some have asserted that an inadequate sentence sent out may send out mixed signals about corruption’s severity in police force, others see this ruling as necessary progress toward accountability and transparency within Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agency.
