Police Arrest Kombi Driver, Conductor for Bribery in Viral Video Case

In a recent turn of events, a kombi driver and his conductor were arrested after a video went viral, exposing them offering bribes to police officers on the Harare-Mutare Road.

Identified as Tinashe Madzima, 31, and Ishmael Gonyora, the two were detained on November 6, 2024, at George Shopping Centre in Ruwa, following swift identification from the video footage.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the arrest in an official statement. The public was alerted to the developments as police worked to address the incident.

Nyathi stated, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of a kombi driver, Tinashe Madzima (31), and a conductor, Ishmael Gonyora, at George Shopping Centre, Ruwa, on 6th November 2024 for bribery.”

The video captured Madzima, behind the wheel of a Toyota Hiace kombi with registration ABZ 1395, as he approached officers to offer a bribe, while Gonyora, on a separate kombi, followed suit.

Both kombis involved, bearing registration numbers ABZ 1395 and ABZ 8264, were impounded by police as part of the investigation, signaling a firm stance on anti-corruption measures.

The incident has prompted further police investigation, with authorities reportedly pursuing other suspects who may have been involved in similar activities along the same route.

Commissioner Nyathi used the opportunity to urge citizens against engaging in bribery, warning of swift repercussions for those participating in corrupt activities, underscoring Zimbabwe’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

He also encouraged the public to report bribery through official channels, including the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, or via WhatsApp at 0712 800 197, providing multiple avenues for public engagement.

These arrests underscore Zimbabwe’s continued efforts to curb corruption and enhance transparency within the transport sector, particularly along busy routes like the Harare-Mutare Road.