Ministry of Labour official in trouble for collecting bribe

AN attempt to make a quick buck backfired on a Ministry of Labour and Social Services public officer after his 'client' double-crossed him and informed the police.

Tichafara Vhiriri (29) pleaded not guilty to the charge of criminally abusing his duty as a public officer as stipulated in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act when he appeared before Mutare magistrate, Langton Mukwengi.

Prosecutor  Matthew Chimutunga told the court that sometime in March 2013, Vhiriri received $80 for the purposes of showing favour to Amon Mambinge, which was contrary to his duty as a public officer.

Vhiriri had been assigned to handle a case between Mambinge and Melany Mufushwa, the complainant's former worker who was complaining of underpayment by Mambinge as well as arrears that he was failing to settle with her.

Mambinge owns a bottle store in Hotsprings where Mufushwa was the bar tender.

Over the issue, Vhiriri had made the decision that Mambinge was to pay an arbitral $1 700 to Mufushwa by February 28, 2013.
As the due date was approaching, Mambinge went to Vhiriri and told him that he was failing to raise the money and that he needed an extension of the date.

Vhiriri allegedly decided to take advantage of the situation and told Mambinge that if he wanted his case to be simpler, he was to pay him a bribe of $80.

The accused continued to pester Mambinge for the bribe until the complainant decided to file a police report. The investigating officers decided to set a trap for Vhiriri. He (Vhiriri) was asked to meet Mambinge in Sakubva.

The two met at Saurombe Butchery and Vhiriri was arrested just after receiving the money. Vhiriri's trial continues on September 11.