COP IN SOUP OVER FAKE TICKETS:

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police has set up a board to investigate cases in which a senior police officer based at Marlborough Police Station in Harare was recently fingered as the brains behind the processing of counterfeit Admission of Guilt deposit fine books (ZJ69), that were being used by “unscrupulous” officers at roadblocks.

This raised fears that unsuspecting motorists were being issued with fake receipts, with the police officers pocketing the money.

The case came to light after two police constables were arrested ecently at a roadblock in Marlborough with a fake ZJ69 book and implicated Inspector Victor Jaja.

Insp Jaja (42), who is responsible for administration at the police station, has since been suspended from the force and is yet to appear before a disciplinary hearing over the allegations.

The two constables were arrested by two senior police officers based at Marlborough Police Station on March 3 following a tip-off and they reportedly told the officers that they had been given the fake receipt book by Insp Jaja.

It is reported that the two constables, whose case is still pending before the courts, later changed their statements and alleged that they were given the receipt book by the officer-in-charge.

Although the details were still sketchy, reliable sources said the board, which has been set up, will determine whether or not Insp Jaja is suitable for police duties.

The board will comprise senior officers of the rank of superintendent and above.

Police sources said sometime in 2013, two constables based in Tsholotsho were dismissed from the force after they were found in possession of a fake ZJ69 book.

At that time, Insp Jaja was reportedly based at Tsholotsho Police Station, before he was transferred to Beitbridge.

In Beitbridge, sources said two constables were found in possession of seven fake ZJ69 books and implicated Insp Jaja. Investigations carried out revealed that the fake books had been printed in South Africa and the two junior officers were dismissed from the force.

Insp Jaja was among the more than 500 police officers that Government redeployed from Beitbridge District to other stations countrywide in August last year.

He was deployed to Marlborough Police Station in Harare.