Published: 2 hours ago

Karoi Urban Police Station sergeant Paul Mutingoringo Dzimbanhete has been sentenced to 30 months in jail after attempting to literally swallow evidence during a bribery sting.

The 32-year-old officer's troubles began when he stopped motorist Olly Mcupi at a roadblock and demanded a US$50 "release fee" for returning a confiscated certificate of competency. Mcupi and his father, Sebastian Chinyemba, reported the incident to Police General Headquarters, which set up a trap at TM Supermarket in Karoi.

During the sting, Dzimbanhete accepted the marked US$50 bill but, in a desperate attempt to hide the evidence, swallowed it. Internal investigations officers captured the entire act on camera, and the footage, along with witness testimony, left no doubt about his misconduct.

A subsequent search revealed a notebook in which Dzimbanhete had recorded Mcupi's "offense" as "dangerous parking," a fabrication that further undermined his credibility.

The magistrate described the officer's actions as a serious breach of public trust and rejected any leniency for his bizarre attempt at a cover-up. Dzimbanhete was sentenced to 36 months, with six months suspended, effectively leaving him 30 months to serve.

The case has drawn national attention as a stark reminder that corruption is punishable and, in Dzimbanhete's unusual case, cannot be digested — literally or figuratively.
- Sunday Mail

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