A police officer stationed at Zengeza Police Station in Harare has been arraigned before the courts, facing serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office. The officer, identified as Edson Nangwani, is accused of demanding and receiving a US$40 bribe in exchange for the release of a suspect held in connection with a theft case.
The incident, which has drawn public interest and renewed scrutiny of corruption within the Zimbabwe Republic Police, unfolded over several days in early June and culminated in Nangwani’s dramatic arrest during a sting operation conducted by the Police Anti-Corruption Unit (PACU).
According to court documents and statements from the prosecution, the case began on June 7, 2025, when a man named Tatenda Tichareva was taken into custody. Tichareva was arrested on suspicion of possessing a stolen Samsung Galaxy A04E smartphone. The arrest led to concern among his acquaintances, including a friend, Vincent Joni, who later played a crucial role in exposing the alleged bribery scheme.
Seeking to understand the nature of the charges and possibly secure Tichareva’s release, Joni approached Officer Nangwani on the same day the arrest took place. Rather than offering a professional explanation or guidance on legal procedures, Nangwani allegedly demanded a US$200 bribe to “shelve” the matter and release the suspect without further investigation.
Police Officer Caught in US$40 Bribe Sting, Faces Criminal Charges
Feeling pressured and alarmed by the demand, Joni reported the incident to the Police Anti-Corruption Unit. In response, PACU operatives swiftly planned a covert operation designed to catch the officer in the act. Working closely with Joni, they devised a trap using marked currency to provide irrefutable evidence of the bribery transaction.
On June 9, two days after the initial bribe request, PACU detectives accompanied Joni back to Zengeza Police Station. There, Officer Nangwani first instructed Joni to proceed to Office G13 before redirecting him to Office G16, where the exchange was expected to take place.
PACU agents closely monitored the meeting. As Joni entered Office G16, he handed over the agreed sum of US$40 in marked notes—specifically, one $20 bill (serial number PH50115833C) and two $10 bills (serial numbers PK45658296B and PB36416637E). These notes had been recorded in advance by the anti-corruption team as part of the evidence-gathering process.
Unaware that he was under surveillance, Nangwani accepted the cash. He was immediately apprehended with the marked money still in his left hand. His arrest was swift and executed on-site by the PACU detectives, bringing the bribery attempt to a definitive end.
Following his arrest, Nangwani appeared before a Harare magistrate and was formally charged with criminal abuse of office and extortion—serious offenses under Zimbabwean law. He was granted bail in the amount of US$100 and is expected to return to court in two weeks, at which time he will be furnished with an official trial date.
The arrest and pending prosecution of Officer Nangwani have sparked wider conversations about integrity and accountability within the Zimbabwe Republic Police. For many citizens, the case is emblematic of the systemic corruption that continues to undermine public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The Police Anti-Corruption Unit, which has been tasked with cleaning up the ranks and restoring public confidence, hailed the operation as a success. A spokesperson for the unit, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the case demonstrates the department’s growing capacity to act swiftly and decisively when allegations of misconduct arise.
“This is part of our broader effort to eliminate corruption within the force,” the spokesperson said. “Our officers must be held to the highest standards of integrity, and this arrest sends a clear message that abuse of power will not be tolerated.”
Civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have praised the PACU for its proactive stance but have also called for deeper institutional reforms. They argue that while individual arrests are commendable, lasting change will only come through consistent enforcement of the law, improved internal oversight mechanisms, and a cultural shift within the police force.
As for Officer Nangwani, his legal journey is just beginning. If found guilty, he could face significant penalties, including dismissal from the force, imprisonment, and the forfeiture of any benefits accrued through his service.
Meanwhile, the community in Zengeza and beyond watches closely, hopeful that this case marks a turning point in the battle against corruption within Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies.
