The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata
Senior Reporter
TWO Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company employees have been hauled before a Chipinge magistrate on extortion charges after they allegedly demanded US$450 from a businessman in the town to cover up an illegal connection of power at his premises.
The duo, Blessing Musimbo (26) of Gaza E and Kudakwashe Masimba (27) of Medium Density in Chipinge appeared before Mr Alfred Chinembiri who remanded them in custody to April 5 for trial.
Public prosecutor, Mr Isaac Ngwenya represented the State; while Mr Admire Khumbula of Mhungu and Associates Legal Practitioners represented the suspects.
The court heard that on March 24, Musimbo and Masimba were carrying out ZETDC metre inspections at Gaza O Shopping Centre when they went to Mr Victor Sigauke’s shop.
“During the course of their duty, they went to Mr Sigauke’s shop for an inspection. They discovered that there were some illegal connections that had been done to by-pass the ZETDC metre as a way of avoiding payment.
“This conduct is in contravention of Section 60A (1) of the Electricity Act, Chapter 13:19,” said Mr Ngwenya.
“Following this discovery, Musimbo and Masimba informed the complainant of the charges he was facing and told him that he would face a lengthy jail term of up to 21 years unless he gave them a sum of US$450 for them to cover up the offence.
“The complainant said he could not pay the bribe, but the accused persons insisted that if he didn’t pay by March 25, charges would be preferred against him,” said Mr Ngwenya. On March 25, the duo made several calls to Mr Sigauke as they made a follow-up on the bribe, but the complainant told them that he had failed to raise the money.
“Mr Sigauke, however, promised to settle the payment the following day. “The parties agreed to meet at a bridge situated between Chipinge Town and Gaza E suburb. The complainant, with the assistance of ZETDC’s Mutare Loss Control Department, alerted police detectives at CID’s Minerals Flora and Fauna Unit in Chipinge and they decided to set up a trap.
“Trap money amounting to US$120 was photocopied and handed over to the complainant for him to hand over to the suspects. Under cover police detectives escorted the complainant to the bridge.
“Upon arrival, the complainant met Musimbo who was already at the bridge. He handed over the money to Musimbo and he placed it in his pocket.
“Detectives moved in to arrest Musimbo and the money was recovered. Masimba was also arrested at ZETDC Chipinge Depot,” said Mr Ngwenya.
However, it couldn’t be immediately established how Mr Sigauke’s case of illegal connections is being handled by the law enforcement agents.
