Tinotenda Hove

In a shocking display of corruption, a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Peter Loverage Mombe, has been convicted of Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer. Mombe’s downfall came after he demanded a hefty US$800 bribe from a truck owner, Francis Nembire, in exchange for releasing his impounded vehicle.

The events unfolded on August 2, 2023, at Engen Service Station in Harare, where Mombe solicited the bribe from Nembire. The truck had been seized for transporting lithium ore without a removal permit. After repeated calls from Mombe demanding the bribe, Nembire reported the incident to Police Internal Investigations.

A sting operation was set up, and Nembire met Mombe at the service station, handing over the US$800 wrapped in tissue paper. However, as soon as Mombe received the money, he spotted officers closing in and attempted to flee, tossing the cash aside. He was promptly apprehended.

Mombe’s sentence was a stern 10 months behind bars, serving as a warning to other corrupt officials. This case highlights the importance of reporting corruption and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to root out such behavior.