Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
THE Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe Registrar, Collin Benyure, has been jailed for one year after being convicted of criminal abuse of duty.
He was sentenced to two years in jail and twelve months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Twelve months are effective.
Benyure was found guilty of abusing money from the Council’s coffers to cover personal legal fees.
He initially pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a full trial by Harare regional magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka.
The State, represented by Kudakwashe Muza, proved that on December 17, 2024, Benyure was arrested and appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court for a case of perjury, charged in his personal capacity.
After his appearance in court, he used his position to order his subordinate Filistas Chari, the administrator at the Council, to give him US$200 from the Council’s funds, for him to deposit bail.
Chari forwarded the directive to the finance office which handed over US$200 to Tendai Chinyama who delivered it to Benyure at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
The State proved that this was contrary of the Public Finance Management Act Regulations as the money was taken from Council funds without the knowledge and approval of the board.
The court heard that the Council resolved that he should reimburse the US$200 paid for his bail and he should be responsible for his legal costs.
The money was never reimbursed, which is contrary and inconsistent with his duties as a public officer.
In his defence, Benyure said he attended court in his capacity as the Registrar of Council and as spokesperson of Council.
Therefore, any litigation or charge that arose from him attending court was the responsibility of Council to pay.
