Bail granted for “bribe” prosecutor

A PUBLIC prosecutor based at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court, housed at Tredgold Building, who is facing bribery allegations has been granted bail.

Bhekimpilo Moyo (35) was granted US$300 bail by regional magistrate Mr Shingai Mutiro, today during his bail hearing.

In granting him bail Mr Mutiro ordered Moyo to reside at his given address, not to interfere with State witnesses and to report twice a week to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) police anti-corruption unit.

Moyo, who usually stands on the other side of the dock, found himself in-between a rock and a hard place on Monday when he was dragged to court to answer for the charges.

Allegations laid against Moyo by the State as presented by Mr Jethro Mada are that on 10 July during one of his legal proceedings are that he demanded a bribe from Miss Betty House, whose brother was in court facing a charge of malicious damage to property.

Mr Mada said while prosecuting Miss House’s brother, Moyo allegedly crossed ethical boundaries in pursuit of personal gain.

“On the 10th of July 2024, the accused was on duty at the Bulawayo Tredgold Magistrate’s Court where he was prosecuting the complainant’s brother,” said Mr Mada.

He said it was during the course of Miss House’s interaction with Moyo that the sequence of events took a twist, as he coerced her into his office and demanded a bribe of US$200 to secure a favourable outcome for her brother.

Mr Mada told the court that Moyo allegedly indicated to Miss House that failure to pay the bribe would result in her brother receiving a severe sentence ranging from 10 to 25 years.

It was alleged that Moyo received an initial sum of US$50 on the day of the alleged incident, with the remaining US$150 exchanged on the subsequent day.

Mr Mada stated that Moyo on another date went on to demand an additional US$250 from Miss House who then in an attempt to navigate the unethical demands, disclosed her inability to pay the requested sum and covertly recorded the incriminating conversation using her phone.

Subsequently, the matter was reported to the authorities, leading to Moyo’s arrest.

Moyo was represented by Mr Bob Siansole and Mr Ndabezinhle Sibanda, from Messrs Shenje and Company.

He was remanded to 31 July this year.

@petematika