HARARE – A traffic cop who created a fake ticketing book and forced over 100 motorists to pay fines was convicted of fraud and criminal abuse of office on Thursday.
Claudius Mazvimba, who was stationed at Avondale Police Station, will be sentenced Friday by Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo.
Mazvimba, who was out on bail, was remanded in custody awaiting sentencing.
He had pleaded not guilty, telling his trial that the book was owned by his boss, to whom he claimed he surrendered daily takings.
Michael Reza, for the prosecution, led evidence from detective assistant inspector Thomas Mabwe who told court that he caught Mazvimba and his accomplices in action.
Magistrate Mapfumo said it was clear that he abused his duties and had pocketed state funds.
“By crafting that book, it is clear that you did not want the money to go to government coffers. It’s not a coincidence that only five cops out of 50 stationed at Avondale would use the book,” Mapfumo said.
“Evidence against the accused is overwhelming and it cannot be disputed that he committed the offence as alleged.”
His accomplices are Romeo Chipokosa, 32, Lloyd Makuni, 31, Takuranshe Magomba and Blesssmore Mushayahwaro, 30, have a separate trial which is ongoing.
Their trial was separated from Mazvimba’s because he had more charges.
Reza said the officers connived and acquired a fake Z69J book that resembled the original used in administration work.
The court heard that Mazvimba and his accomplices would use the book to receipt fines paid by motorists that breached traffic regulations.
Mazvimba and Mushayahwaro would demand cash only from the motorists to avoid being detected. They would share the money among themselves.
According to police administration procedures, completed dockets can only be filed after attaching a pink triplicate copy from a Z69J book but in all the cases Mazvimba and Mushayahwaro attached fake copies.
The court heard that the duo would submit completed dockets to their superiors for closure and filing.
