Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A COURT interpreter was nabbed in Central Harare on Tuesday while he was allegedly counting proceeds of crime, amounting to US$250, unaware this was a trap by detectives.
Patrick Kanyangira, 48, appeared before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa charged with criminal abuse of office, alternatively extortion.
He was arrested after he was allegedly caught counting US$250 in a police trap money. He had allegedly promised to influence the outcome of a property dispute in favour of one of the parties.
Lancelot Mutsokoti prosecuted.
Kanyangira is employed by the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and is attached to the Judicial Service Commission at Epworth Magistrates’ Court as an interpreter.
The State alleges that Noreen Jarawani became involved in a dispute over a residential stand in Overspill, Epworth, which her late parents had acquired from the Epworth Local Board.
Noreen and her siblings continued residing at the property following the death of their parents.
Sometime last year, Itai Mutenje allegedly approached the family claiming that he had bought the stand from someone employed by the Epworth Local Board.
Earlier this year, Noreen’s sister, Abigirl, was called to Epworth Police Station where she was served with court papers after Mutenje applied for a peace order against the family.
The sisters subsequently began attending proceedings at Epworth Magistrates’ Court.
The State alleges that last month, after one of the court appearances, Kanyangira called Noreen and met her at the court.
He allegedly took her to a guardroom at the main gate and told her that the matter had already been finalised.
Kanyangira allegedly demanded money from Noreen, claiming that he would ensure that judgment was delivered in her favour if she paid him.
When Noreen asked how much he wanted, Kanyangira allegedly demanded US$500.
She protested, resulting in the amount being reduced to US$400.
Kanyangira allegedly instructed her to bring the money on Tuesday before a judgment favourable to her was handed down.
Noreen reported the matter to the CID Police Anti-Corruption Unit on Monday.
On Tuesday, Kanyangira allegedly contacted her and ordered her to meet him at Runhare House at the corner of in the Harare CBD.
Police detectives accompanied Noreen and arranged a trap.
The State alleges that Kanyangira was handed US$250 in trap money before detectives swooped on him.
The money was allegedly recovered from his hands while he was still counting it.
He was released on US$150 bail.
