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Prosper Dembedza Court Correspondent
A POLICEMAN based at the Police Protection Unit’s Tomlinson Depot in Harare appeared in court on Monday for soliciting a $10 bribe from the driver of a commuter omnibus he had impounded.

Fredlie Toto Makaradhi (26) was charged with criminal abuse of office when he appeared before the magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo.

He was granted $50 bail and will be back in court today.

As part of his bail conditions, Makaradhi was ordered not to interfere with witnesses and to continue residing at his given address.

It is alleged that on March 10, Makaradhi and his accomplice, who was remanded out of custody, approached Creaven Nyamutaka who was driving a commuter omnibus at the corner of South Avenue and Orr Street in the Central Business District of Harare.

The court heard that on the day in question, the duo was carrying out duties in civilian attire.

It is alleged that they identified themselves as police officers and advised Nyamutaka that he was under arrest for picking up passengers at an undesignated point.

It is alleged that they ordered Nyamutaka to drive to Harare Central Police Station where the commuter omnibus was to be impounded.

The court heard that along the way the duo demanded and received a bribe of $10 from Nyamutaka.

It is alleged that Nyamutaka alerted a police officer based at Matapi Police Station who advised members of the Anti-Corruption Unit, leading to Makaradhi’s arrest.