Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
A HARARE man has appeared in court facing extortion charges after allegedly providing information that was used in a scheme to fraudulently obtain US$3,000 from a businessman.
Persuade Mandiki (34) appeared before Harare Magistrate Jessie Kufa charged with extortion. The State alleges that on July 10, Mandiki supplied information about the complainant’s warehouse to Blessing Mutema.
Mutema allegedly posed as a ZIMRA officer to extort money from the complainant.
According to prosecutors, Mutema allegedly accused the complainant of possessing smuggled goods at his warehouse.
He then demanded money.
It is alleged that Mandiki knowingly provided operational information with the intention of sharing the proceeds of the offence.
The prosecution further alleges that Mutema extorted US$3,000 from the complainant and later shared part of the money with Mandiki.
The State says investigations recovered text messages and call logs allegedly linking Mandiki and Mutema, in which they discussed how the offence would be carried out.
Prosecutors are also relying on witness testimony and say Mutema implicated Mandiki during investigations.
In opposing bail, the State argued that the offence is serious and carries a custodial sentence upon conviction.
It further submitted that releasing Mandiki could jeopardise investigations because the case relies heavily on digital evidence, which prosecutors fear could be tampered with.
The prosecution also argued that the offence, which involved impersonating a ZIMRA officer, undermines public confidence in statutory revenue authorities and poses a threat to public security.
Mathew Masinge