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Mnangagwa's name-dropping extortion trial date set
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The trial of a five-man gang accused of impersonating military intelligence and police officials to extort money from mining firms in Matabeleland has been set for January 23.
The accused - Munyaradzi Charakupa, Victor Jaja, Tawanda Mangi, Paul Chakaingesu, and Percy Pemba - will appear before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja, facing charges of fraud and extortion.
This follows a prolonged period of inactivity in their case since their arrest last year. Initially, the three accused sought bail pending trial, but their application was denied by the courts. They are all being represented by Panashe Mudawo from Mudimu Law Chambers.
Charakupa, Jaja, and Mangi are currently out on US$200 bail each, while Chakaingesu and Pemba are on US$300 bail each, granted on December 6, 2024.
The suspects were exposed after targeting mines linked to prominent Bulawayo lawyer Dumisani Dube. It is alleged that the gang claimed to have connections with members of the First Family and law enforcement agencies to extract large sums of money from the complainants.
Dube reported that the accused frequently visited his office, demanding protection fees under the guise of being members of the military intelligence and police. Their claims included alleged involvement in the security of the late War Veterans ministry permanent secretary, Clive Mphambela, and other official matters related to Matabeleland South.
According to Dube, in February 2024, Victor Jaja visited his office posing as a former officer-in-charge at Beitbridge Police Station, now attached to the President's Office in the Police Protection Unit. Jaja claimed to be part of Sean Mnangagwa's security team, with Mangi as his superior.
It is alleged that they were in possession of files containing special grant applications for Matabeleland South, demanding hefty sums to facilitate approvals or secure protection.
On one occasion, they reportedly threatened Dube and his clients, demanding US$800,000. Following threats to his life, Dube surrendered US$40,000 to Mangi. They also coerced him into paying for their accommodation during a supposed special operation, collecting US$55,300 from Dube in various installments.
A report was made to the police, which led to the arrest of the three suspects, with investigations continuing for the remaining accused.
The accused - Munyaradzi Charakupa, Victor Jaja, Tawanda Mangi, Paul Chakaingesu, and Percy Pemba - will appear before Bulawayo magistrate Shepherd Mjanja, facing charges of fraud and extortion.
This follows a prolonged period of inactivity in their case since their arrest last year. Initially, the three accused sought bail pending trial, but their application was denied by the courts. They are all being represented by Panashe Mudawo from Mudimu Law Chambers.
Charakupa, Jaja, and Mangi are currently out on US$200 bail each, while Chakaingesu and Pemba are on US$300 bail each, granted on December 6, 2024.
The suspects were exposed after targeting mines linked to prominent Bulawayo lawyer Dumisani Dube. It is alleged that the gang claimed to have connections with members of the First Family and law enforcement agencies to extract large sums of money from the complainants.
According to Dube, in February 2024, Victor Jaja visited his office posing as a former officer-in-charge at Beitbridge Police Station, now attached to the President's Office in the Police Protection Unit. Jaja claimed to be part of Sean Mnangagwa's security team, with Mangi as his superior.
It is alleged that they were in possession of files containing special grant applications for Matabeleland South, demanding hefty sums to facilitate approvals or secure protection.
On one occasion, they reportedly threatened Dube and his clients, demanding US$800,000. Following threats to his life, Dube surrendered US$40,000 to Mangi. They also coerced him into paying for their accommodation during a supposed special operation, collecting US$55,300 from Dube in various installments.
A report was made to the police, which led to the arrest of the three suspects, with investigations continuing for the remaining accused.
Source - newsday
