admin
Danisa Masuku
THE trial of Gwanda-based magistrate, Talent Phiri (35), who is facing bribery charges, has kicked off in Bulawayo.
Phiri of Mount Cazalet in Gwanda appeared before Harare regional magistrate, Farai Gwitima.
Gwitima presided over the case after Bulawayo regional magistrates recused themselves due to potential conflicts of interest or other reasons that could compromise their impartiality.
Phiri, represented by four lawyers — Kholwani Ngwenya, Anna Kunda, Tawanda Tavengwa, and Prince Butshe (who led the team), pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Butshe, in his defence, said Phiri handled a Domestic Violence Act matter involving Lungisani Twominutes Ncube and his ex-wife, Qiniso Ncube.
After Phiri granted Qiniso an interim protection order, Ncube allegedly sent a prison officer based in Gwanda to inform Phiri that he was a powerful person in the country and that he would cause Phiri’s downfall.
Butshe said that after this incident, Ncube requested a meeting with Phiri. Out of fear, Phiri agreed to meet. During the meeting, Ncube ordered Phiri to cancel the warrant of arrest.
Bhutshe said that between August 28 and September 2, Ncube called the accused several times using different numbers, ordering him to cancel the warrant of arrest.
In response, Bhutshe said Phiri told Ncube he would not be arrested. On 4 September, Phiri received a “please call” message from Ncube, after which he called Ncube back. Through his lawyer, Phiri denied ever receiving money from Ncube.
Allegations against Phiri are that on 27 August 2024, he granted an interim protection order in favour of Qiniso against her ex-husband, Lungisani.
However, on 4 September, Phiri allegedly solicited a bribe from Lungisani to assist him in the case.
It was reported that Phiri claimed that members of the President’s Office, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police wanted Lungisani jailed.
Phiri allegedly demanded US$3 000. However, Lungisani allegedly managed to raise US$2 500 and promised to pay the remaining US$500 at a later date.
The court heard that Phiri instructed Lungisani to bring the money to his residence in Gwanda early the following day, around 6am and gave him directions.
During their phone conversations, Lungisani recorded audio evidence of the bribery demands and subsequently reported the matter to the police.
Acting on this information, the police set up a trap and accompanied the complainant to Phiri’s residence, where they arrested him after he had allegedly received the money.
Prosecutor, Acumen Khupe appeared for the State.
Online Reporter