News / National
'Bribe seeking' magistrate's trial kicks off
21 Nov 2024 at 06:24hrs | Views
The trial of Talent Phiri, a Gwanda magistrate accused of soliciting a US$3,000 bribe from an accused person, began in Bulawayo Magistrates Court on Monday. Phiri, who is facing charges of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer, appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr. Farai Gwitima.
The trial opened with three witnesses testifying against Phiri, who has been accused of demanding a bribe from Mr. Lungisani Twominutes Ncube, an individual involved in a legal case. The magistrate is alleged to have solicited the money in exchange for assisting Mr. Ncube in the case.
Bribery Allegations
Phiri (35), stationed at the Gwanda Magistrates Court, allegedly approached Mr. Ncube following an interim protection order granted to Ms. Qiniso Ncube against her ex-husband. On September 4, Phiri reportedly contacted Mr. Ncube and claimed that members of the President's Office, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were seeking Mr. Ncube's incarceration.
Phiri allegedly told Mr. Ncube that he could help him avoid jail if he paid a bribe. Initially, the magistrate demanded US$3,000, but after negotiations, the amount was reduced to US$2,500.
The court heard that Phiri instructed Mr. Ncube to deliver the money to his residence in Gwanda at 6 a.m. the following morning. During their phone conversations, Mr. Ncube recorded the exchanges to gather evidence of the bribery attempt.
Police Sting Operation
Acting on the evidence provided by Mr. Ncube, who had recorded his conversations with Phiri, police set up a sting operation. They accompanied Mr. Ncube to Phiri's residence in Gwanda, where they arrested him after he received the bribe money.
The money was recovered from one of Phiri's boxer shorts, confirming the allegations of bribery.
Court Proceedings and Remand
Phiri was formally charged with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer under Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear in court again on December 4.
Prosecutor Mr. Acumen Khupe outlined the case, presenting Mr. Ncube's evidence and the police operation that led to Phiri's arrest.
Implications of the Case
The trial has drawn attention to the issue of corruption within the judiciary and public offices, as Phiri's actions are seen as a betrayal of the public's trust in the legal system. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for both the magistrate and the wider judicial system, as it highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public offices.
The trial opened with three witnesses testifying against Phiri, who has been accused of demanding a bribe from Mr. Lungisani Twominutes Ncube, an individual involved in a legal case. The magistrate is alleged to have solicited the money in exchange for assisting Mr. Ncube in the case.
Bribery Allegations
Phiri (35), stationed at the Gwanda Magistrates Court, allegedly approached Mr. Ncube following an interim protection order granted to Ms. Qiniso Ncube against her ex-husband. On September 4, Phiri reportedly contacted Mr. Ncube and claimed that members of the President's Office, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police were seeking Mr. Ncube's incarceration.
Phiri allegedly told Mr. Ncube that he could help him avoid jail if he paid a bribe. Initially, the magistrate demanded US$3,000, but after negotiations, the amount was reduced to US$2,500.
The court heard that Phiri instructed Mr. Ncube to deliver the money to his residence in Gwanda at 6 a.m. the following morning. During their phone conversations, Mr. Ncube recorded the exchanges to gather evidence of the bribery attempt.
Police Sting Operation
Acting on the evidence provided by Mr. Ncube, who had recorded his conversations with Phiri, police set up a sting operation. They accompanied Mr. Ncube to Phiri's residence in Gwanda, where they arrested him after he received the bribe money.
The money was recovered from one of Phiri's boxer shorts, confirming the allegations of bribery.
Court Proceedings and Remand
Phiri was formally charged with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer under Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He was remanded in custody and is set to appear in court again on December 4.
Prosecutor Mr. Acumen Khupe outlined the case, presenting Mr. Ncube's evidence and the police operation that led to Phiri's arrest.
Implications of the Case
The trial has drawn attention to the issue of corruption within the judiciary and public offices, as Phiri's actions are seen as a betrayal of the public's trust in the legal system. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for both the magistrate and the wider judicial system, as it highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public offices.
Source - The Herald
