Two police officers based in Harare have been handed prison sentences following their conviction for criminal abuse of office in a bribery scandal that has sparked renewed calls for integrity and accountability within Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies.
Dennis Tafadzwa Chivaku and Sharon Madondo, both stationed at a police checkpoint near the Sunway City Special Economic Zone, were found guilty of soliciting and accepting bribes from motorists, particularly targeting sand poachers. The duo was convicted after a full trial and sentenced to four years each by the Harare Magistrates’ Court. However, one year of the sentence was conditionally suspended, meaning each officer will serve three years behind bars.
According to court proceedings, Chivaku and Madondo were routinely demanding bribes of US$5 per truck from sand poachers and other motorists in exchange for safe passage through the checkpoint — a flagrant violation of their sworn duty to uphold the law.
The corrupt activities came to light after multiple complaints were lodged by members of the public, prompting an internal investigation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police. Acting on the reports, authorities launched a sting operation designed to catch the officers in the act. The operation was successful, with both Chivaku and Madondo being apprehended while accepting a bribe during one of their shifts.
Prosecutors described the case as a textbook example of abuse of power by public officials. In court, they argued that the two officers had betrayed public trust and undermined the integrity of the police service by turning their checkpoint into a site of routine extortion.
“The accused persons were not only derelict in their duties, but they actively participated in criminal behavior by soliciting bribes,” said the lead prosecutor during sentencing. “Their actions compromised public safety and the image of the police force. A custodial sentence is appropriate to reflect the seriousness of the offense and deter similar conduct by others.”
Two Harare Police Officers Jailed for Corruption in Bribery Scandal
The court concurred, stating that the crime was aggravated by the fact that it was committed while the officers were on official duty and in uniform. Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka ruled that the pair’s conduct was premeditated and systematic, and that it brought the justice system into disrepute.
In a statement issued shortly after the verdict, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the ruling, describing it as a significant step in the fight against corruption within public institutions.
“This conviction and sentencing serve as a strong reminder that no one is above the law — including those tasked with enforcing it,” the NPA said. “Public trust in law enforcement depends on the ethical behavior of its officers. Corrupt individuals in uniform not only tarnish the image of the police force but also erode the public’s confidence in the justice system. The NPA remains committed to prosecuting such offenses without fear or favor.”
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) also applauded the successful prosecution and urged the public to continue reporting misconduct by public officials. ZACC spokesperson John Makamure noted that whistleblowers had played a crucial role in bringing the case to light, emphasizing that community participation is vital in the national fight against graft.
“Accountability starts with individual responsibility, and this case shows that the public’s voice matters. We encourage more people to come forward with information when they witness corruption,” said Makamure.
Meanwhile, members of the public have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the justice system for holding the officers accountable, while others argued that systemic corruption requires deeper reforms and improved oversight of law enforcement operations.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said one Harare resident. “There are many more checkpoints across the country where such corruption takes place daily. We need stronger internal controls and regular audits to prevent this kind of behavior.”
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but sources within the force suggest disciplinary measures are being reviewed to ensure officers who engage in corrupt practices face both criminal and administrative consequences.
As Chivaku and Madondo begin serving their sentences, their case stands as a stark warning to others in public service: abuse of office will not go unpunished. The public and watchdog agencies alike continue to demand greater transparency and zero tolerance for corruption in all spheres of government — especially among those entrusted to uphold the law.
