adminprison has appeared in court charged with criminal abuse of duty.
Munyaradzi Gijima (29) allegedly claimed US$400 was for the magistrate so that he could not send him to jail if he failed to comply with the court’s orders.
Gijima, who is being represented by Mr Simon Mupindu of Mupindu and Mugiya law chambers, is stationed at Harare Central Prison and his duties include escorting prisoners to court.
Harare magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini yesterday denied him bail.
“After going through the submissions made by both counsels, accused is not a proper candidate for bail. The accused is likely to interfere with witnesses,” he said.
Gijima was remanded in custody to June 30 and his trial date has been set for July 7.
The State led by Ms Memory Mukapa alleged that on May 18 this year, Perkins Zvinisai was arrested on theft charges.
He was sent to remand prison awaiting his sentence.
While Zvinisai was at remand prison, it is alleged Gijima approached his relatives and demanded US$180, which he said was for him to facilitate the release of Zvinisai from remand prison.
Gijima, the State says, further told Zvinisai’s relatives that he would handover the money to the court interpreter who would pass it on to the magistrate.
Through the misrepresentation, Gijima was given the money.
It is the State’s case that Zvinisai later appeared at the Mbare Magistrate Court and was remanded to June 1 this year.
It is further alleged that Gijima approached Zvinisai on June 6 and demanded US$100 top up, which he was given.
Zvinisai was later ordered by the court to restitute US$400 or risk going to prison.
The State further alleged that Gijima contacted Zvinisai on June 13 and demanded US$400 more.
Gijima said that the money was to buy his freedom.
The two agreed to meet the following day at Mbare Court where Gijima was to receive the money, it is alleged.
It is the State’s case that Zvinisai became suspicious and made a police report and a trap was set.
The court heard that the duo met at their agreed place and Gijima was subsequently arrested after receiving the money, it is alleged.
Online Reporter