HARARE | Public prosecutor Pardon Diva and his co-accused Alex Tombe, who have been languishing in prison for several months, have been convicted on fraud charges related to an incident that occurred on November 15, 2023.
Diva demanded a US$20,000 bribe from Wellington Takavarasha in exchange for facilitating a lighter sentence for Henrietta Rushwaya, who had been convicted of smuggling gold by the Harare High Court.
According to the State’s case, Takavarasha informed Rushwaya’s sister, Helliate Rushwaya, about Diva’s demand.
Helliate Rushwaya promptly reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Corruption Unit, which initiated a sting operation.
At the CABS Centre, Alex Tombe, the second accused, approached Helliate Rushwaya and indicated that he had been sent by Diva to collect the money.
Undeterred, Helliate Rushwaya insisted on giving the money directly to Diva.
The trap was set at Kebbab Restaurant in Milton Park, where Diva personally received the bribe money. Both men were subsequently arrested.
The accused are scheduled to appear in court on June 4, 2024, for a pre-sentencing hearing.
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