The ManicaPost
Weekender Correspondent
AN ILLEGAL cross-border trader who was caught red-handed trying to bribe police officers after he had been arrested entering the country illegally and with prohibited goods was fined $150 by the courts. Eliah Mlambo(36) was sentenced to three months imprisonment when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Mrs Yeukai Chigodora. He was, however, given an option to pay $150.
He pleaded guilty to bribery in contravention of Section 170(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. In sentencing him, Mrs Chigodora said at a time that society was fighting against corruption, Mlambo had acted unlawfully and offended both the law and the nation by offering the police officers $70 bribe.
She said society shunned his actions.
“The next time you commit a similar offence, come prepared for a custodial sentence because at the end of the day we will hear you labelling members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police as corrupt, yet you are the one offering them bribes,” she said.
Representing the State was Ms Tinashe Katsiru. Allegations were that on August 9 and at around 4am, Mlambo together with his colleagues, Precious Nezuro and Walter Chigutsa were arrested by police officers who were on patrol along the Mozambican border.
They were arrested for possessing goods that are prohibited from importation at Marymount Teachers’ College base. They had 18 cases of Royal Whiskey. “Mlambo offered the officers $70 bribe so that they could be released.
“He was subsequently arrested and the $70 bribe money was recovered,” said Ms Katsiru. In his defence, Mlambo said he was trying to earn a living and fend for his family. The trio pleaded guilty to importing prohibited goods and was fined $30 each.
