Source: Trio up for extortion – herald
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
THREE Mutare people, who attempted to swindle a woman of US$500 by pretending they could secure her husband’s release from remand prison have each been sentenced to 24 months in jail.
The trio Shalom Nyamazana (26), Tinashe Chiwayi (28), and Nigel Godwin Mukuruzado (34) were convicted of extortion when they appeared before Mutare magistrate, Honest Musiyiwa.
The court heard that between August 25 and 28, the three connived to defraud Sibonginkosi Ncube (38), whose husband was facing a murder charge and was remanded in custody.
Presenting the State’s case, public prosecutor, Chris Munyuku, said Nyamazana met Ncube’s husband while they were both in remand prison. After his release, Nyamazana approached Ncube and falsely claimed he could help her secure her husband’s release.
“He introduced his accomplice, Chiwayi, as a lawyer who had influence over court proceedings. Together, they fabricated a story that they could reduce the charge from murder to culpable homicide in exchange for US$500. Ncube, desperate for her husband’s freedom, initially believed their story,” said Munyuku.
The court heard that Mukuruzado later joined the scheme, pressuring the complainant to pay.
When Ncube realised she was being deceived, she reported the matter to the police, leading to a sting operation.
“Detectives from CID Mutare set a trap, using US$150 in marked notes. Nyamazana and Mukuruzado were arrested at Halaal House Restaurant soon after receiving the trap money, while Chiwayi was later apprehended at Far End Night Club. The marked cash was recovered in full,” added Munyuku.
All three were found guilty after a full trial.
In sentencing, Magistrate Musiyiwa said the trio’s actions were calculated and preyed on a woman’s emotional vulnerability.
“You took advantage of a distressed wife whose husband was facing a serious criminal charge. Your conduct was heartless and driven by greed. This court cannot condone such behaviour, particularly when it undermines public trust in the justice system,” he said.
The magistrate said the sentence must serve as a deterrent to others who might be tempted to exploit desperate families caught in legal difficulties. “Let it be known that no individual can influence or alter court processes outside the law. Anyone who deceives the public into believing otherwise will face the full wrath of the law,” said Musiyiwa.
He sentenced each of the offenders to 24 months imprisonment, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective 18-month jail term.
Musiyiwa also commended the police for swiftly setting up the sting operation that led to the offenders’ arrest, saying such proactive policing helps safeguard the integrity of the justice system.
The post Trio up for extortion appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.