A magistrate has been arrested for demanding a bribe of US$3 000.
The Magistrate from Gwanda found himself in the dock after he was arrested for demanding a bribe amounting to US$3,000 from a man who was before his court.
Talent Phiri, 35, was arraigned before the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court facing bribery.
According to prosecutors, on 27 August 2024, Phiri granted an Interim Protection Order in favour of an applicant who applied against her former husband.
A warrant of arrest was attached on the Interim Protection Order as per procedure.
It is alleged that on 4 September 2024, Phiri solicited for a US$3,000 bribe from the applicant’s ex-husband, who is the informant, so that he assists him with the case.
“He claimed that members from the President’s Office, National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police had an interest in his case and would want him locked up in jail,” read a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“The informant negotiated down to US$2,500 and they reached an agreement.
“The accused person instructed the informant to bring the money to his place of residence.
“The informant made phone call recordings and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused person through a trap.”
Phiri was remanded in custody to 9 September 2024.
