PAY ME AND YOUR BROTHER ESCAPES JAIL, PRISON OFFICER TELLS WOMAN

Zvikomborero Parafini

A ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Services officer, stationed at Harare Central Prison, allegedly demanded a bribe from a woman whose brother was in custody.

Dominic Nyemba, 28, appeared in court yesterday facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.

He appeared before Harare magistrate Nyaradzo Manokore, who granted him US$100 bail and remanded the case to June 23 for routine remand.

The State alleges that on Saturday, the complainant Emily Gombiro visited Harare Central Prison to see her brother, who was being held on a culpable homicide charge.

During the visit, Nyemba allegedly misrepresented to her that he could facilitate a non-custodial sentence for her brother, in exchange for money.

Prosecutors allege that Nyemba told Gombiro the money would be passed on to the presiding magistrate and prosecutor to secure favourable treatment for her brother.

It is alleged that on Monday, Gombiro and her husband met Nyemba outside the Harare Magistrates Court premises and handed over US$1,000.

The court heard that Nyemba allegedly demanded an additional US$500 the following day, raising the complainant’s suspicions and prompting her to file a police report.

Investigations led to Nyemba’s arrest.

The State alleges that by allegedly demanding, and receiving the money while acting in his capacity as a public officer, Nyemba acted unlawfully and contrary to his duties.