Online Reporter
Fidelis Chavarike-Mutare Bureau
TWO Rusape-based prosecutors, arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) over bribery allegations, have been granted US$300 bail each by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court.
Takunda Chinakidzo Muzenda (30) and Marlon Makamba (32), appeared before Mutare Magistrate Ms Anniah Ndiraya on Friday facing charges of criminal abuse of office and were remanded to July 11.
The pair was being represented by Mr Takunda Musara of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners.
Prosecuting, Ms Tawananyasha Muwura told the court that the duo abused their positions of authority by demanding bribes from a local traditional healer, Freddy Dhonsa (40), to derail criminal proceedings against him.
“The accused persons, who are public prosecutors, leveraged their roles within the justice system to extort money from a complainant in exchange for preferential treatment. This conduct compromises the integrity of our courts and justice delivery,” said Ms Muwura.
She alleged that Dhonsa had initially been arrested in June 2023 on extortion charges. In a desperate bid to secure his release, Dhonsa’s wife approached a CID officer, Detective Constable Moyo, who allegedly connected them to Makamba.
Makamba demanded US$250 to convert the matter into a summons case, that is Dhonsa would not be remanded in or out of custody but would only be summonsed for trial when the prosecution was ready. This meant he would be able to live a totally normal life. Arrangements were allegedly made to go further and dump the whole prosecution.
Although Dhonsa only managed to pay US$189 via Moyo, the arrangement was facilitated.
Subsequently, Makamba continued to demand varying amounts, either in cash or via EcoCash payments to a person named as Rindai Mukonya, believed to be the manager of Joe’s Place in Rusape.
“The matter intensified on June 17, 2025, when Muzenda allegedly summoned Dhonsa and demanded a US$500 bribe, claiming US$300 was for the magistrate and US$200 for himself to destroy the docket. Dhonsa paid the US$300 upfront and later an additional US$100, after which Muzenda falsely assured him there was no longer any need to attend court.
“However, on June 24, 2025, Dhonsa discovered that a warrant of arrest had been issued against him. Upon confronting Muzenda in the company of his lawyer, the prosecutor offered no satisfactory explanation and later contacted Dhonsa, promising to refund the money.
“Realising he had been duped, Dhonsa reported the matter to ZACC the same day. A sting operation was quickly put in place. The next day, Dhonsa called Muzenda and informed him he had secured the remaining US$100. Muzenda directed him to Joe’s Place, where he arrived with Makamba,” said the State.
ZACC officers monitoring the operation saw Dhonsa hand over marked US$100 in US$10 denominations to Muzenda, while Makamba briefly left the table. The officers moved in swiftly, arresting Muzenda at the scene and recovering the marked notes. Makamba was apprehended inside the bar.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the judicial system, especially within the National Prosecuting Authority, where both men are employed.
Ms Muwura said such acts undermined the public’s trust in the justice system and tarnished the reputation of honest legal officers.
“These arrests are a clear reminder that no one is above the law, and prosecutors must uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
