Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A CHINHOYI magistrate and a prison officer appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court yesterday facing allegations of criminal abuse of duty.
Kudzanai Mahaso (30) and Proud Nziramasanga (34) were not asked to plead during their brief appearance before Magistrate Mrs Jessie Kufa.
Both were released on US$200 bail and were ordered not to interfere with witnesses.
They must also reside at their provided addresses and report to the CID in Chinhoyi once a fortnight.
Prosecutor Oscar Madhume outlined the case against Mahaso, who allegedly presided over a matter related to the contravention of Section 97 of the Environmental Management Act.
This section deals with the leaching for gold without an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.
The case involved Emmanuel Gudo and Constantine Gudo, and it reportedly took place at Farm 280 Chitomborwizi under Zvimba district.
Emmanuel Gudo was taken to court on December 18, but prior to this, Nziramasanga allegedly attempted to bribe public prosecutor Mr Brighton Machekera to alter the case’s outcome.
Mr Machekera declined the offer and informed the investigating officers, who later discovered that Nziramasanga and Constantine Gudo had a longstanding friendship.
Nziramasanga accompanied Constantine Gudo, who police wanted to stand trial alongside Emmanuel Gudo.
Instead of alerting law enforcement, Nziramasanga reportedly asked the investigating officers not to arrest Gudo.
The case took a troubling turn when Mahaso, as the presiding magistrate, was confronted with the allegations.
On November 29, both Mahaso and Nziramasanga, along with Gudo, supposedly visited the mining site relevant to the case.
This visit was allegedly for their personal interests and not part of the court proceedings.
While at the mining site, Nziramasanga purportedly threatened informants, asserting his influence as a high-ranking court official and implying that he could manipulate court processes.
On December 11, Mahaso acquitted Emmanuel Gudo, a decision that the State claims was inconsistent with their duties as public officers.
The presence of the duo at the crime scene, along with the wanted Constantine Gudo, raises serious questions regarding their conduct and the integrity of the judicial process.
