adminMpumelelo Nyoni Court Reporter
AN UMGUZA District lands officer who allegedly solicited a $2,000 bribe to facilitate a government offer letter appeared in court yesterday after his arrest by detectives disguised as employees of his would-be victim.
Philani Ndlovu, 32, appeared before magistrate Tancy Dube facing criminal abuse of duty charges.
Ndlovu, through his lawyer, Russel Dzete pleaded not guilty. Magistrate Dube granted him $100 bail and remanded him to September 4.
Prosecuting, Kenneth Shava told the court that Ndlovu, a civil servant not an Umguza Rural District Council employee as reported yesterday, ordered Bernard Chaurura to give him a $2,000 bribe to facilitate the offer letter.
“In January 2013 Bernard Chaurura was allocated a plot at Dunstal Farm in Umguza Disrict by Ndlovu and he started developing it. On August 19, 2014, Chaurura went to Ndlovu’s office requesting an offer letter. Ndlovu told Chaurura to give him a $2,000 bribe to facilitate the offer letter and Chaurura promised to call him when he got the money,” said Shava.
However, the following day Chaurura went to report the matter at CID Law and Order and a trap was set.
All the cash that was to be used for the trap was photocopied and all serial numbers were recorded and a team of detectives was assigned to carry out the trap, the court heard.
Shava told the court that Ndlovu met Chaurura at his shop to collect the money but was apprehended by the detectives as he was about to leave the shop.
“Chaurura went to his shop with the team of detectives who then dressed like other shop employees and started serving customers as they were carrying out their surveillance.
“At around 6PM, Ndlovu came to Chaurura’s shop, accompanied by his wife. He went to Chaurura’s office and was given the money which amounted to $2,000 in $100 notes.
“Ndlovu left the office heading for the exit. At the door he was stopped by a detective who identified himself as a police officer. Suddenly, other detectives emerged and searched Ndlovu and recovered $2,000 from his left pocket with matching serial numbers, leading to his arrest,” said Shava.
Five witnesses are expected to testify when Ndlovu’s trial begins on September 4.
Online Reporter