By Takudziridzwa Nyama
The Harare Magistrates’ Court has convicted Nobody Makoni (52), Ward 6 Councilor in Epworth, of two counts of criminal abuse of duty.
Makoni was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment, with 10 months suspended for 5 years, and will serve 30 months effective.
Circumstances are that in 2024, an informant aged 26, sold his residential stand to Monica Chibvura and intended to change ownership at the Epworth Local Board offices.
Makoni, a Councilor for Ward 6 in Epworth, met the informant outside the council offices and told him that he would help them to facilitate the change of ownership.
He then demanded US$450.00 from the informant to facilitate the change of ownership.
Later, the informant approached the Epworth Local Board for clarification on the issue, and it was established that the offender does not facilitate change of ownership as this is contrary to his duties.
Additionally, the offender demanded US$100.00 from a 66 year old informant to facilitate the change of ownership for her stand, which she bought from the informant at the Epworth local board office.
The informant later approached the Epworth Local Board for clarification on the issue. It was established that the offender did not change ownership of stands as he implied.
Makoni’s actions were contrary to or inconsistent with his duties as a public officer.