By Takudziridzwa Nyama
Two officials from the Bulawayo High Court, Ceaser Nkomo (63) and Shingirai Mupunga (29) have been arraigned before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court on charges of allegedly defrauding a complainant of US$1974.
The complainant had sought assistance regarding a civil case filed in 2021, which had mysteriously disappeared from the court system.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), Nkomo and Mupunga demanded various sums of money under false pretenses, including fees for “case reinstatement” and payments purportedly intended for a presiding judge.
The complainant became suspicious and reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of the two officials. Mupunga has since tendered his resignation.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has urged members of the public to refrain from paying court officials to expedite their cases, emphasizing that all payments must be made at designated offices where a receipt will be issued.