Prosecutor Dziva sentenced 10 years for demanding...

Prosecutor Dziva sentenced 10 years for demanding bribe from Rushwaya

Oscar J Jeke

Public Prosecutor, Pardon Dziva who demanded US$20 000 from Henrietta Rushwaya in her gold smuggling case, in exchange for a lighter sentence was yesterday sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with his co-accused, Alex Tombe, sentenced eight years.

It was heard before the court that, Dziva on November 15, 2023 demanded the bribe money from Wellington Takavarasha in a bid to negotiate and facilitate a lighter sentence for Rushwaya who had been convicted of smuggling at the Harare High Court.

Takavarasha is said to have alerted Henrietta’s sister Helliate of the demand leading to her reporting the matter to the police who set a trap for Dziva and his accomplice, Tombe.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Helliate agreed to meet with the accused persons where, the Tombe was then sent to collect the money, with Helliate refusing to give the messenger without seeing Dziva.

Diva is said to have directed Helliate to meet her at Kebbab restaurant in Milton park where he was subsequently arrested on the scene.

“Pardon Dziva, a public prosecutor stationed at the Harare Magistrate’s Court together with his co-accused Alex Tombe who were facing fraud charges appeared today at the Harare High Court for sentencing.

“On the 15th of November 2023 the first accused person demanded USD20 000 from Wellington Takavarasha in order to facilitate a lighter sentence for Henrietta Rushwaya who had been convicted for smuggling by a Harare High Court Judge.

"Wellington Takavarasha told Henrietta’s sister Helliate Rushwaya of the first accused person’s demand. Helliate Rushwaya reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Corruption Unit who set a trap for the accused person.

"The first accused person was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment of which 2 years was suspended for 5 years on condition that he does not commit a similar offence.

"The second accused person was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment of which 2 years were suspended,” reads the statement.