Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A 54-year-old man employed at Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo has been jailed for 20 months for demanding and taking a US$500 bribe after promising to secure a job for his workmate’s brother.
Amukela Nkiwane, from Sizinda in Bulawayo appeared on Friday before Bulawayo senior magistrate Ms Learner Khumalo charged with fraud.
Nkiwane, who pleaded not guilty, was however convicted and sentenced to 30 months in jail. Six months were suspended on condition that he does not within the next five years commit a similar offence. A further four months were suspended on condition that he restitutes US$500 to the complainant leaving him with 20 months to serve.
In passing sentence, Ms Khumalo told the court that Nkiwane’s uncouth behaviour tainted the reputation of a Government institution.
“The accused is a civil servant employed at Ingutsheni Hospital and his conduct makes the public lose confidence in Government institutions,” said Ms Khumalo.
She emphasised that the Government frowns upon fraud which she said was unfortunately prevalent in the country.
“Government is fighting increasing cases of fraud and expects its own employees to lead by example. Civil servants should therefore join hands with the Government in fighting corruption and other social ills. The courts therefore, have an obligation to protect citizens from unscrupulous people like you,” she said.
In mitigation, Nkiwane said: “I’m really sorry for what I did. I plead with the court to be lenient with me because I’m not feeling well.”
In aggravation, prosecutor Ms Brenda Ndlovu said: “The accused betrayed his workmate’s trust and defrauded her of US$500. Cases of fraud are prevalent in the country and the courts should send a strong message that crime does not pay. The State prays for a custodial sentence so as to send a strong message to would-be offenders.”
Ms Ndlovu told the court that in January this year, Nkiwane demanded US$500 from the complainant after promising to secure a job for her young brother. After receiving the cash, Nkiwane failed to deliver on the promise.
Each time he was approached, he would promise that he was working on something.
It later dawned on the complainant that she had been duped and she reported the matter to the police, leading to Nkiwane’s arrest.
