Karoi Police Sergeant Jailed for Swallowing Bribe in Bizarre Sting Operation

A Karoi police sergeant has been jailed for 30 months after attempting to swallow a US$50 bribe during a sting operation (image source)

KAROI — In a case that has stunned the nation and reignited calls for greater accountability in law enforcement, a police sergeant from Karoi Urban Police Station has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after attempting to swallow a US$50 bribe during a sting operation.

Sergeant Paul Mutingoringo Dzimbanhete (32) was convicted of criminal abuse of office after soliciting a bribe from motorist Olly Mcupi in exchange for the return of a confiscated certificate of competency. The incident began at a routine roadblock, where Dzimbanhete allegedly demanded a US$50 “release fee.”

Mcupi, accompanied by his father Sebastian Chinyemba, reported the incident to Police General Headquarters, prompting internal investigators to launch a sting operation. The setup took place at TM Supermarket in Karoi, where Dzimbanhete was caught red-handed accepting the marked bill.

In a desperate attempt to destroy the evidence, the officer tried to swallow the money — an act captured on camera by the internal investigations team. The footage, corroborated by eyewitnesses, left little room for doubt.

A search of Dzimbanhete’s belongings revealed a notebook in which he had falsely recorded Mcupi’s offense as “dangerous parking,” further undermining his credibility.

Presiding magistrate Ms. Ruth Moyo described the officer’s conduct as a “shocking betrayal of public trust” and dismissed pleas for leniency.

“The accused’s conduct was not only unlawful but also brought the Zimbabwe Republic Police into disrepute,” she said. “His attempt to literally ingest the evidence speaks to the lengths he was willing to go to conceal his crime.”

Dzimbanhete was sentenced to 36 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving 30 months to serve. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the conviction and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

“We commend the swift action taken by our internal investigations unit,” said ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi. “This case sends a clear message that no one is above the law, and misconduct within our ranks will be dealt with decisively.”

Anti-corruption watchdogs have applauded the ruling. “This is a landmark case,” said Transparency Zimbabwe director Rudo Mupambirei. “It shows that the justice system can and will hold law enforcement officers accountable. It’s also a reminder that citizens have the power to report abuse and expect action.”

The story has since gone viral on social media, with Zimbabweans expressing a mix of outrage and disbelief. One user quipped on X (formerly Twitter):

“Corruption is hard to swallow — literally.”

The case underscores growing public pressure for police reform and ethical enforcement, with civil society urging the ZRP to expand internal oversight and public reporting mechanisms to deter future misconduct.