Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A COURT interpreter at Mbare Magistrates Court allegedly received a bribe to try and ensure a favourable outcome in a case before the courts.
Tadiwanashe Chikomo, 25, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, charged with criminal abuse of duty.
The complainant is Natasha Matikiti. The State alleged that on May 14, at Mbare Magistrates Court, Matikiti’s husband, Kevin Sono, was arrested and detained for wearing camouflage uniform.
The case was referred to the Mbare Magistrate Court and Sono was remanded in custody to May 19.
The court heard that before the court session, Chikomo approached Matikiti and asked why she was at court.
She told him that her husband had been arrested for wearing camouflage.
It is alleged Chikomo told Matikiti that the case was a difficult one to handle and if the court outcome was not favourablze she could approach him for assistance.
After Matikiti’s husband was remanded in custody, she allegedly approached Chikomo and informed him about the outcome. The parties went outside the court premises and discussed the issue.
Chikomo allegedly told Matikiti to pay US$200 to help secure the release of her husband, including payment of a fine.
Matikiti paid US$120 as deposit leaving a balance of US$80.
On May 19 Matikiti approached ZRP Mbare District Headquarters to launch her complaint and a trap was authorised by Superintendent Crime Mbare District using genuine money amounting to US$80.
The notes comprised four US$20 denominations.
The money was photocopied and the copies were certified and were handed over to Assistant Inspector Jairos and team to execute.
The officers positioned themselves and followed the parties outside the court premises where they met.
They observed Chikomo receiving the money from Matikiti.
The ZRP Mbare intelligence team closed in on Chikomo but he ran away towards Remembrance Drive.
He was then arrested.
Mathew Masinge