ZACC traps mines inspector with US$350 bribe

…He fails to account for US$1600 more in his possession

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested the Mashonaland East provincial mines inspector for demanding bribes for due process of standard paperwork.

Antony Singende stationed at the Ministry of Mines Marondera office was arrested with US$350 trap money on his person as well as another US$1600 he could not account for.

ZACC set up a sting operation for Singende after a mine manager in the jurisdiction complained to ZACC about Singende’s demands for bribery.

The complainant needed to have his blasting licence endorsed by a Mines Inspector to enable him to lawfully operate after securing employment.

The complainant alleges that he paid the statutory US$150 to Singende but did not get a receipt.

Singende later visited the complainant at his workplace on November 15 and threatened to revoke the licence endorsement unless the complainant paid him US$150.

Singende ordered the complainant to report at the Mines Ministry offices with the endorsement fee and an extra US$200 in two days or Singende would withdraw the blasting licence.

The complainant reported Singende’s threats to his employer and was advised to lodge a report with ZACC.

A trap was set with the complainant going to Singende’s office on November 17 where Singende re-endorsed the blasting licence and took the US$350 but did not issue any receipt.

ZACC investigators immediately moved in and arrested Singende who was in possession of the US$350.00 trap money which was recovered.

Upon further searching Singende, the team found another US$1600. Singende failed to account for the source of that cash.