Former Prosecutor Slapped With Five Years Sentence After Accepting US$200 Bribe

A former prosecutor has been slapped with a five-year jail sentence after he accepted a US$200 bribe from a client.

The disgraced former public prosecutor has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of corruption for accepting bribes to manipulate court proceedings.

Bhekimpilo Moyo, 35, previously stationed at Bulawayo’s Tredgold Magistrates Court, received a five-year jail term with two years suspended for his illegal actions.

Details of the Former Prosecutor’s Bribery Scheme

Court documents reveal that Moyo solicited and accepted $200 USD from Betty House, the sister of an accused individual. The payment was intended to secure favourable treatment for Bothwell House, which faced charges of malicious property damage.

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Former prosecutor jailed for accepting a US$200 bribe from a client-Image Source@Bulawayomemories

Prosecutors established that Moyo later demanded an additional $250 USD, prompting the victim to alert authorities.

Prosecutor Gets Five-Year Jail Sentence For Accepting US$200 Bribe

The corrupt official’s scheme unravelled on July 10, 2024, when investigators acted on the complaint. Moyo’s arrest followed quickly after the report was filed. His eventual conviction serves as a warning to other officials who might consider similar misconduct.

Following the sentencing, Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ) issued a strong statement condemning corruption within the justice system.

“We maintain zero tolerance for criminal conduct among our personnel,” the NPAZ declaration stated.

The authority encouraged citizens to report any judicial officials attempting to solicit bribes.

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Broader Implications of the judgement for Judicial Reform

This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Zimbabwe’s legal framework. With Moyo now serving an effective three-year prison term, legal experts suggest the ruling may deter similar misconduct among public officials. The NPAZ has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards throughout the prosecutorial system.