Two officials from the Bulawayo High Court have appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court, facing charges of fraud after allegedly swindling a complainant out of US$1974 in a case involving a missing civil lawsuit.
Assessor Ceaser Nkomo, 63, and research assistant Shingirai Mupunga, 29, are accused of demanding money under false pretences from an individual seeking assistance with a civil matter filed in 2021.
The case had reportedly “mysteriously disappeared” from the court system, prompting the complainant to seek intervention.
“Nkomo and Mupunga reportedly 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,” according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).
Following his arrest, Mupunga is said to have tendered his resignation from the court.
“The NPAZ would like to encourage members of the public to desist from paying Court officials to expedite their cases through the court system. All payments must be made at designated offices where a receipt will be issued to that effect,” NPAZ said.