Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-20 14:32:37
A member of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Intelligence Department (MID) was arrested for allegedly demanding bribes from cross-border buses at a roadblock along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Highway. Parangeta Garikai (43) from Goromondo Village under Chief Katerere in Nyanga was apprehended after he was found accepting ZAR900 from Zipho Dube, a conductor with Mzansi Express Bus Service. Additional amounts of money were discovered on Garikai, which have been presented as exhibits in court.
Garikai appeared before Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba on the same day of his arrest and was remanded in custody. The State is being represented by Police Inspector Sarireni from ZRP Old Hatfield Camp compound in Harare.
According to the State’s case, on November 26, 2022, Garikai approached Mzanzi Express Bus and demanded money from Dube, who handed over ZAR900. He brazenly placed the money in his right front pocket within the view of an anticorruption team at the roadblock. The anticorruption team then apprehended Dube, who became a witness and led them to Garikai.
Garikai resisted arrest and searches before eventually taking money from his pocket and giving it to his counterpart, who fled the scene. He then removed more money from his back pocket, throwing it on the ground, which was recovered as evidence. The recovered amount includes ZAR 230 and US$ 11, with specific serial numbers for each note provided.
The case underscores the corrupt practices that sometimes plague law enforcement agencies and the urgent need for stringent measures to combat such behavior. It is essential to uphold the integrity of security institutions to maintain public trust and ensure the effective functioning of the justice system.
Garikai’s arrest serves as a warning to others in positions of authority who might be tempted to engage in corrupt activities. The swift response by the anticorruption team and the successful apprehension of Garikai demonstrate the commitment to combating corruption within the ranks of the armed forces.
The case is now in the hands of the court, where justice will be served based on the evidence presented. It is crucial for the legal system to address such cases promptly and decisively to send a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, the arrest of Parangeta Garikai highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in Zimbabwe and emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in all sectors of society. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, we can work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
