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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have arrested an Umguza Rural District Council lands officer for allegedly demanding a $5,000 bribe to process papers for acquisition of title deeds to a farm.
Sources close to the investigations said Philani Ndlovu was intercepted by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Detectives in Bulawayo at Magwegwe West suburb.

Ndlovu had allegedly gone to the suburb to collect the bribe.
An Umguza RDC vehicle that he was allegedly driving was reportedly impounded by the police.
“He has been under investigation for some time. The police laid a trap for him after getting a number of complaints about his conduct. He would allegedly ask for bribes to ensure people who are desperate for land jump the long queue of applicants,” said a police source.
Land is supposed to be allocated on a first come first serve basis in the district.

“In this particular case, he demanded a bribe to facilitate the acquisition of title deeds for a farm. The complainant (name withheld) reported him to the police. Detectives photocopied the notes he was given. They found the same notes amounting to $2,000, with matching serial numbers on his person when they arrested him,” the police source said.

Ndlovu was arrested together with a female companion by CID officers in possession of $2,000.
He is being held at Bulawayo Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court today.