A court interpreter, Tadiwanashe Chikomo, 25, at the Mbare Magistrates’ Court has been arrested for allegedly demanding a US$200 bribe to influence the outcome of a case currently before the court.
Chikomo appeared before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer.
The matter was rolled over to May 23 for a bail ruling.
Chikomo is being legally represented by Tafadzwa Muvhami of Muvhami Attorneys.
The complainant in the case is Natasha Matikiti.
According to the state, represented by Rufaro Chonzi, the allegations stem from events that occurred on May 14, after the complainant’s husband, Kevin Sono, was arrested and detained at ZRP Mbare for wearing camouflage clothing, in violation of local regulations. His case was referred to the Mbare Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody until May 19.
Before the court session, Chikomo reportedly approached the complainant and enquired about her presence at court. After learning about her husband’s case, he allegedly told her that the matter was difficult and hinted that he could assist if the ruling was not in their favour. He then gave her his contact information.
Following the court session, which resulted in Sono being remanded, the complainant and Chikomo allegedly met outside the court premises, where he demanded US$200 to “facilitate” her husband’s release, including covering the fine. The woman handed over US$120, promising to pay the remaining US$80 later.
Growing suspicious, the complainant reported the matter to ZRP Mbare District Headquarters on May 19. A sting operation was launched using marked trap money amounting to US$80. The operation was led by Assistant Inspector Jairos Makoni and a police intelligence team.
It is further alleged that later that day, Chikomo met the complainant at a bus stop along Remembrance Drive, where he received the remaining US$80. As officers moved in to apprehend him, he fled and threw the trap money over the perimeter wall of the City Council Remembrance offices.
Chikomo was eventually apprehended, and police allegedly recovered the marked notes, whose serial numbers matched those used in the sting operation.
