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Nyaradzo Bakari, Chronicle Reporter
A POLICE officer stationed at Pumula Police Station in Bulawayo has appeared in court for allegedly demanding a bribe from a suspect’s relatives to release the suspect.

Tinashe Shoko (29) from Pumula North suburb allegedly demanded $200 from the relatives of a suspect, Mandla Ndlovu, who was facing poaching charges.

The deal turned sour after Ndlovu’s employer and relative paid Shoko $160 through Ecocash but Mandla was not released and the family filed a report.

Shoko pleaded not guilty to criminal abuse of duty charges as a public officer before Western commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlhovu.

Mr Ndlovu remanded him out of custody to next week Wednesday for trial.

For the State, Mr Kenneth Shava said Shoko demanded $200 from Ndlovu’s relative and employer saying it was a “fine” to ensure that Ndlovu was released.

The police officer, however, converted the money to his own use.

Mr Shava said Shoko received $100 from Ndlovu’s employer and $60 from Ndlovu’s brother-in-law.

“On February 10 at Western Commonage court, Tinashe Shoko, a police officer, being a public officer in the exercise of his duty, unlawfully and intentionally received $160 through EcoCash. The money was said to be for a fine for Mandla Ndlovu, the person he was investigating for a case of poaching,” he said.

Shoko was represented by Mr Prince Butshe-Dube of Mathonsi Ncube Law chambers. — @NyarieBakie