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FORMER Chitungwiza Town Council chamber secretary, Priscilla Vengesai, was jailed 15 months over the weekend.
She was found guilty of attempting to bribe the then High Court judge, Justice Felicia Chatukuta.
Vengesai, who had been on trial since 2018, was convicted last week by retired magistrate Hosea Mujaya.
She was initially sentenced to two years in prison before nine months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The State, represented by senior regional prosecutor Tinashe Makiya, proved that on May 28, 2014, Justice Chatukuta met Vengesai at Chitungwiza Town Council where she was processing her relative’s papers.
The judge approached Vengesai for assistance and the two exchanged contact numbers for future communication.
The next day, Vengesai texted the judge requesting to see her, in connection with a case of Avondale Holdings (Pvt) Ltd versus TM Supermarkets (Pvt) Ltd.
However, Vengesai did not go to the judge on that particular day.
The court heard that on June 26, 2014, Vengesai booked an appointment to see Justice Chatukuta and she agreed to meet her in chambers, as she had requested.
Vengesai indicated that she was coming to deliver a token of appreciation from Avondale Holdings as a result of her judgment, in the matter in favour of that company.
Vengesai indicated that she was a friend of Avondale Holdings (Pvt) Ltd and had been sent to convey their appreciation.
She took out a khaki envelope and pulled out a wad of money in United States dollars and extended it to the judge.
Justice Chatukuta refused to take the money and immediately registered her displeasure about Vengesai’s conduct, regarding the administration of justice.
The judge recorded the conversation, which was played during trial.
She made a police report, thereafter, leading to Vengesai’s arrest.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter