A police officer from Karoi has been jailed for extortion after a dramatic sting operation exposed his corrupt dealings — and even a desperate attempt to swallow evidence failed to save him.
Sergeant Paul Mutingoringo Dzimbanhete, a 32-year-old officer stationed at Karoi Urban Police Station, was convicted after being caught red-handed taking a US$50 bribe. The case, which unfolded over several tense days in June 2025, has become one of the most talked-about examples of police misconduct in recent months.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Dzimbanhete’s downfall began when he unlawfully confiscated a driver’s licence and demanded a bribe for its return — a routine shakedown that ended in humiliation and imprisonment.
The court heard that between 3 and 13 June 2025, Dzimbanhete was manning a roadblock along the Karoi–Nyamambisi Road when he stopped a motorist, Olly Mcupi, and confiscated his certificate of competency. Instead of citing a legitimate traffic offence, the officer allegedly demanded a US$50 “fee” to return the document.
When Mcupi informed his father, Sebastian Kumbirai Chinyemba, of the extortion demand, the family decided to take action. Chinyemba reported the incident to the authorities, setting in motion a sting operation that would expose Dzimbanhete’s corruption in the most public way possible.
The Police General Headquarters Internal Investigations Team was swiftly deployed to Karoi to set up the trap. Posing as an ordinary citizen, Mcupi arranged to meet Dzimbanhete at TM Supermarket in Karoi, where he would “pay” the demanded bribe.
On the day of the operation, the officer arrived at the rendezvous point driving a Toyota Gaia with registration ADX 8251. Unaware that his every move was being watched, he accepted the marked US$50 note from Mcupi in exchange for the confiscated certificate.
The transaction was captured on video, and as soon as the handover was complete, undercover officers swooped in to arrest him.
In a desperate bid to destroy the evidence, Dzimbanhete did the unthinkable — he swallowed the marked US$50 note right in front of the investigators. The dramatic moment, described by witnesses as “straight out of a crime thriller,” stunned onlookers and the arresting officers alike.
Despite his attempt to conceal the proof, it was too late. The sting operation had already been recorded, and multiple officers had witnessed the handover. The team immediately took him into custody and conducted a search of his person and vehicle.
Karoi Police Officer Jailed 30 Months After Swallowing Marked Cash
According to the NPAZ bulletin, investigators recovered US$3, ZIG10 cash, and an official police ZRP Book 6 notebook from his possession. In the notebook, the sergeant had falsely recorded Mcupi’s alleged offence as “dangerous parking” — an attempt to legitimize his earlier actions and cover up the extortion demand.
The court later ruled that this false entry demonstrated a clear intent to deceive and abuse official authority, further strengthening the case against him.
Sergeant Dzimbanhete appeared before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of extortion and criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. During the proceedings, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence, including the video footage of the sting operation and testimonies from the arresting officers.
The magistrate found Dzimbanhete guilty on both counts and handed down a 36-month prison sentence. However, six months were conditionally suspended for five years, leaving him with an effective 30-month jail term.
In passing sentence, the court condemned his conduct as “a betrayal of public trust” and emphasized that law enforcement officers must uphold integrity rather than exploit their positions for personal gain
Following the conviction, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe issued a statement commending the swift work of the internal police investigations unit. The agency said the outcome demonstrated the country’s growing intolerance for corruption within state institutions.
“The conviction of Sergeant Dzimbanhete sends a clear message that no one is above the law, including those entrusted to enforce it,” read part of the NPA statement. “Law enforcement officers must remember that the badge they wear represents service, honesty, and accountability.”
The NPA added that the case serves as a powerful reminder that citizens have a right to report corruption and that effective systems are in place to act on such complaints.
News of the officer’s conviction spread quickly across Karoi and beyond, sparking widespread discussion about the prevalence of low-level corruption within the police force. Many residents praised the authorities for taking decisive action, saying the case showed that the justice system could still hold rogue officers accountable.
“This is the kind of transparency we need,” said one Karoi resident outside the courthouse. “Too many people have been forced to pay bribes at roadblocks. Maybe now they’ll think twice.”
For Dzimbanhete, what began as a routine shakedown for a few dollars has ended in public disgrace, a criminal record, and nearly three years behind bars.
His case stands as a cautionary tale — one that underscores the message that corruption, no matter how small or cleverly concealed, will eventually be exposed.
Source- iHarare
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