Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MUTARE senior magistrate, Xavier Chipato (33), appeared in court on Tuesday as his bribery trial got underway, with key State witness, Juliet Vera, testifying that he solicited US$150 in exchange for a favourable ruling in a civil matter.
Chipato is facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer under Section 174(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
The allegations stem from events between May 9 and July 17, 2025, at Mutare Civil Magistrates’ Court.
During that period, Chipato — employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) as a senior magistrate — allegedly demanded US$150 from Vera, a litigant in civil case number MTCG135/25, as an inducement to rule in her favour.
The State argued that the act was intended to confer an undue and illegal benefit, in violation of his duty to uphold justice impartially and maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
Chipato, whose responsibilities include adjudicating both civil and criminal cases, is alternatively charged with bribery under Section 170(1)(a)(i) of the same Act.
The trial continues before regional magistrate Ms Sekai Chiwundura.
Leading the State’s case, prosecutor, Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira, said between May and July 17, 2025, the accused was presiding over civil matter MTCG 135/25, in which Juliet Vera was the defendant.
Mr Mutyasira submitted that the record of proceedings, marked Annexure A, could be tendered as evidence.
He further revealed that on July 6, 2025, the accused allegedly initiated personal contact with Vera, giving her his private mobile number.
The following day, July 7, Chipato is said to have phoned Vera, instructing her to provide a “token of appreciation” amounting to US$150. In return, he allegedly assured her that he would set aside the case against her, citing improper service of summons.
As corroboration, Mr Mutyasira indicated that call history records, marked Annexure B, could also be produced in court as exhibits.
The State alleges that on July 7, 2025, Chipato presided over the civil matter and ruled that the summons had been improperly served.
Mr Mutyasira said only hours after delivering the ruling, Chipato made repeated WhatsApp calls to Vera, explicitly demanding a US$150 payment.
On one occasion, Vera is said to have purchased alcohol worth US$25 for Chipato through his associate, Roger Muzimba, who allegedly acted as a go-between.
Mr Mutyasira indicated that call history records, marked Annexure C, could be produced in court to corroborate these claims.
The court further heard that on July 12, 2025, Chipato allegedly contacted Vera directly and threatened her, warning that she would “never win a civil case” and vowing to “deal with her” in future proceedings if she failed to meet his financial demands.
When Vera did not pay, Chipato presided over the main trial on July 17, 2025. During those proceedings, he allegedly denied her the chance to present her defence, accused her of wasting the court’s time, and immediately ruled against her.
He is said to have ordered her to vacate her shop and settle the claimed debt.
Mr Mutyasira argued that Chipato’s conduct amounted to unlawful behaviour and gross abuse of judicial office for personal gain.
