Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
Two Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) Eastlea data capture clerks appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court facing fraud charges after they allegedly facilitated the issuance of a driver’s licence to a woman who had failed her road test.
Tinotenda Maningi and Chrison Chipanda are accused of manipulating the VID system to enable Nadia Samson to obtain a driver’s licence without following the prescribed procedures.
They were placed on remand, with the court expected to rule on their bail application on August 4.
The complainant is the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, represented by VID Eastlea depot manager Onisimo Bumhira.
Prosecutors allege that after failing her road test on June 21 this year, Samson informed her friend, Anotida Gwenyere, who referred her to Maningi, claiming he could assist her in obtaining a driver’s licence through unofficial means.
It is alleged that Maningi initially demanded US$250 but later agreed to facilitate the licence for US$200. He reportedly obtained Samson’s personal details and confirmed that she had passed the provisional examination.
The State alleges that on July 22, Chipanda processed an application for a Certificate of Competence in Samson’s name without following the required procedures, including payment of the booking fee and submission of vehicle details for the road test.
Investigations further allege that false electronic entries were made using the profiles of other VID officials, falsely indicating that Samson had taken and passed the road test.
A Certificate of Competence was then allegedly generated before another fraudulent entry was made to facilitate the production of a driver’s licence.
It is further alleged that Maningi later arranged for the driver’s licence to be collected from a Central Vehicle Department employee before it was handed over to Samson on July 25. Samson allegedly paid US$200 as the facilitation fee.
The alleged conduct is said to have prejudiced the good administration of the Vehicle Inspection Department.
