GRACE ZVENYIKA
HARARE-Priscah Mutereko (44),a Harare Municipal Officer was arrested for demanding US$20 bribe from a businessman based in the capital.
It is alleged that on April 3, 2023, Mutereko was the leader of the team that was carrying out licence inspection duties where a shop trading as Paguta Trading failed to produce a valid council business license and was issued with a fine of US$290 which was supposed to be paid in 7 days.
Mutereko then went to Paguta premises on the May 15, to lock the premises for failure to pay the required amount.
She then told Paguta to contact her through her assistant if he needed assistance in getting the premises open where she demanded a bribe of US$20 to facilitate the cancellation of the ticket.
The following morning Mutereko was given the US$20 that she had demanded, but refused to take the money as she felt that it was too little for a fine of USD 290.00 and demanded US$40 more.
Paguta then reported the matter to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and a trap was set leading to her arrest as she received the money.
Paguta is set to appear in court.
