By Nyasha Chuma
HARARE — Three Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) constables have been sentenced to five years in prison each following their conviction for criminal abuse of office, the police confirmed on Friday.
The sentencing, handed down at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on June 24 2026, follows a high-profile anti-corruption operation that resulted in the arrest of the officers late last year.
The convicted officers are Prosper Muchangani (36), Shelton Masvande (34), and Mercy Makarimai (37). At the time of their arrest on December 21, 2025, the trio was stationed at ZRP Murewa Traffic and deployed to a checkpoint at the 21-kilometre peg along the Harare–Domboshava Road.
Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Police Anti-Corruption Unit apprehended the officers after finding them in possession of $975.00 in cash.
According to police findings, the funds were illicitly obtained. Investigations revealed that the officers had failed to issue official receipts for traffic fines collected at the scene. Furthermore, the money had not been declared prior to their shift, and investigators discovered that the officers’ deployment had not been recorded in the station’s official register.
The ZRP has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward graft within the force.
“The organization will continue taking decisive action against any officer who engages in corrupt or criminal activities, regardless of rank or position,” said Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations.
Authorities have commended the public for their role in uncovering such misconduct and continue to urge citizens to report incidents of bribery and criminal conduct involving police personnel or members of the community.
