Story by Parvel Makona
A ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer has appeared in court facing fraud charges after allegedly duping a woman out of US$1 000 by falsely claiming he could influence the outcome of her brother’s criminal case.
Dominic Nyemba (28), who is stationed at Harare Central Prison, appeared before the courts accused of misrepresenting that he could facilitate a non-custodial sentence for the complainant’s brother in exchange for money.
According to the State, the complainant, Emily Gombiro, visited her brother, Simbarashe Ruzema, at Harare Central Prison on June 6 this year. Ruzema is currently in custody facing a charge of culpable homicide.
The court heard that during the visit, Nyemba allegedly approached Gombiro and claimed he could secure favourable treatment for her brother if she paid US$1 000, which he said would be given to the presiding magistrate and prosecutor.
Acting on the alleged representation, Gombiro reportedly met Nyemba outside the Harare Magistrates’ Court at Rotten Row on June 8 and handed over the money.
The State further alleges that Nyemba demanded an additional US$500 the following day, prompting Gombiro to become suspicious and report the matter to the police.
Investigations subsequently led to Nyemba’s arrest.
Nyemba was granted US$100 bail and remanded to June 23 this year for routine remand.
