Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – A public prosecutor at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court, located in the Tredgold Building, has been arrested for allegedly demanding a US$200 bribe, with the main evidence being a recorded conversation on a cellphone.
Bhekimpilo Moyo (35) is accused of soliciting the bribe from the sister of an accused individual, in exchange for a favorable outcome in the case.
On Wednesday, Moyo appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Shingai Mutiro on bribery charges and was released on US$300 bail until his next hearing on July 31.
Prosecutor Jethro Mada stated that on July 10, while handling a case, Moyo demanded a bribe from Betty House, whose brother was facing charges of malicious damage to property.
“On July 10, 2024, Moyo was on duty at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court at Tredgold Building prosecuting the complainant’s brother. During an interaction with Ms. House, he invited her to his office and demanded a US$200 bribe to secure a favorable outcome for her brother,” he said.
Moyo allegedly threatened Ms. House that her brother would receive a harsh sentence of 10 to 25 years if the bribe was not paid.
He allegedly accepted an initial payment of US$50 on the day of the incident and the remaining US$150 the following day.
Later, Moyo demanded an additional US$250, which Ms. House could not pay.
Ms. House recorded their conversation on her phone and reported the matter to the police, leading to Moyo’s arrest.
Moyo was represented by Bob Siansole and Ndabezinhle Sibanda of Shenje and Company Legal Practitioners.
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