HARARE - A Harare policeoficer who allegedly demanded $5 000 from a prison officer he accused of having an adulterous relationship with a fellow cop’s wife has appeared in court.

Coaster Machika appeared before magistrate Shelly Zvenyika on extortion and assault charges yesterday.

Machika is alleged to have assaulted the couple and forcibly photographed them in intimate positions using his cellphone.

He claimed he wanted proof to show the woman’s husband as well as publish the pictures in a local tabloid.

The court heard Machika, who was clad in police uniform and accompanied by two others who are still at large, arrested Tawanda Kwarirai, a prison officer for having an extra-marital affair.

It is alleged they started assaulting him until he wet his pants.

Machika allegedly asked the prison officer to call Susan Chikamhi, the woman he was with and he complied.
Machika allegedly then demanded cash from him not to publish the photos, the court heard.

Kwarirai allegedly offered $300 while Chikamhi offered R1 000.

After getting the money, Machika and his accomplices allegedly forced Chikamhi and Kwarirai off a moving vehicle.

According to the state, the prison officer advised Chikamhi to inform her husband about the incident since he was a policeman.

A police report was made leading to Machika’s arrest. - Ivan Zhakata