Michael Mashiri
A Sergeant for Harare Municipality Officer who was leading officers in shop license inspection was trapped in a sting operation after demanding a bribe from a shop owner to unblock unlicensed premises.
Priscah Mutereko, 44, of Pension Farm in Glenview was before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates' Court accused of extortion.
The complainant in the matter is Blessing Dirani, 54, director of Paguta Trading Private Limited.
The State through, Zebediah Bofu, alleges that on April 3, 2023, Mutereko was the leader of a team that was carrying out Shop Licence Inspection duties.
At around midday they issued a ticket to Paguta Trading (Pvt) Ltd at number 54 George Silundika Avenue, Harare, for failure to produce a valid council business licence with a fine of USD$290 which was supposed to be paid within 7 working days.
On May 15, 2023, Mutereko went back to Dirani's premises where she locked the premises for failure to pay the required fine of USD$290.
When Mutereko did this, the premises were manned by one Tinei Jinga.
Mutereko after locking the premises told Jinga to advise Dirani to contact her if he needed assistance in getting into the premises.
Dirani then called Mutereko in the evening of the same date and was advised by Mutereko that she could facilitate the cancellation of the ticket.
The following morning Dirani handed Jinga US$20 to give to Mutereko.
When Jinga contacted her advising that he had been given US$20 she told him that the amount was too little considering that the ticket issued was for US$290 and she told him that she needed US$60 to facilitate the reopening of the premises.
Dirani then contacted Mutereko who told him that without US$60 she would not open his premises.
Dirani then made a report to Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and a trap authority was applied for and granted leading to the arrest of Mutereko on May 17, 2023 after receiving the US$60 trap money in US$20 denominations at Mupedzanhamo Mall along Charter Road.
After receiving the money from Jinga, Mutereko then handed him the keys to unblock the premises.
Mutereko was ordered to pay ZWL$50 000 as bail recognisance. She will appear for continuance on July 5, 2023
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