Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
KAROI – A Karoi-based police officer has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being caught on camera accepting a US$50 bribe and then swallowing the marked note in a desperate attempt to destroy the evidence.
Sergeant Paul Mutingoringo Dzimbanhete (32), who was attached to Karoi Urban Police Station, was convicted of criminal abuse of duty.
The court heard that Sgt Dzimbanhete pulled over motorist Olly Mcupi at a roadblock and confiscated his certificate of competency. He then demanded a US$50 “release fee” to return the document.
Instead of paying, Mcupi and his father, Sebastian Chinyemba, reported the matter to the Police General Headquarters, which initiated a sting operation.
A meeting was arranged at TM Supermarket in Karoi, where Mcupi was to hand over the money. Internal investigators filmed as Sgt Dzimbanhete returned the licence and accepted the marked US$50 note.
Upon realizing he was being arrested, the officer committed what the magistrate described as an “act of desperation” by stuffing the cash into his mouth and swallowing it.
Despite the destruction of the physical evidence, the prosecution successfully relied on the video footage and testimony from the arresting officers to secure a conviction. A search also revealed a notebook where the sergeant had falsely logged the motorist’s offence as “dangerous parking.”
The magistrate sentenced Sgt Dzimbanhete to 36 months in prison, with six months suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.
The effective 30-month jail term serves as a stern warning against corruption within the security services.
Follow us on social media for more breaking news:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
·Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
·TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
·Facebook: Zim GBC News
·YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025