ZRP Responds to Viral Video of Police Officers Fighting Over Bribe Money in Mutare
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has commented on a video featuring its officers from Mutare allegedly fighting over bribe money.
The video, which circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), appears to show police officers embroiled in a dispute, accusing one of their colleagues of pocketing all the bribe money instead of sharing it with the rest of the team.
Also read: Bulawayo Cop In Trouble After Convincing Kombi Driver to Pay Bribe Instead of Full Fine
ZRP Concerned Over Misuse of Social Media
After the video went viral, the ZRP released a statement on Saturday expressing concern over how social media is being used to spread fake news by both its officers and ordinary Zimbabweans. The ZRP alleged that such misuse of social media is used to push a negative narrative and mislead the public for personal or political agendas.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concern by the abuse and misuse of social media platforms by both police officers and the public to portray a negative narrative of actual situations. This is mostly done to drive a certain agenda which is beneficial to the parties concerned and to mislead the public with false information [sic],” part of the statement reads.
Also read: Legal Scandal: Murehwa Magistrate Arrested After Accepting Groceries And Microwave As Bribe
ZRP Threatens to Punish Those Who Uploaded Viral Video
Concerning the video of police officers allegedly fighting over a bribe, the ZRP said it would punish those responsible for uploading the misleading video on social media.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will thus ensure that comprehensive investigations are conducted and the truth revealed to the public. In the process, the law will be applied to the offending parties without fear or favour,” part of the statement reads.
Clearing up the rumours, ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained that the viral video did not involve officers fighting over bribe money. Instead, it stemmed from a road traffic accident in Mutare. Constable Foreman Matayaya (38) was involved in a three-vehicle accident at Area 12 Depression, Dangamvura, Mutare.
Constable Andrew Mazhindu attended the scene and instructed the drivers, including Matayaya, to proceed to the police station. However, Matayaya refused to comply, forcing Mazhindu to escort him to the station. Once there, Matayaya became violent, refusing to have his vehicle impounded or the accident recorded. He claimed that Mazhindu was siding with the other drivers and assaulted him.
Sergeant Musonza and Constable Mataringe had to step in to prevent further escalation. Matayaya, who also damaged police property during the confrontation, was arrested, and the case is now awaiting legal proceedings.
Chris Matambanadzo
Coming from a long line of television and radio personalities, it was only natural for Chris Matambanadzo to venture into the media space. Chris is an avid reader who fancies himself a philosopher and poet. He is passionate about anime, music and movies.
