Security agents fined for extortion

THREE Rusape law enforcement agents who have been taking advantage of the lockdown restrictions to harass people and demand bribes have been convicted and sentenced over the offence.

Samuel Kasawaya (39) (a constable), Action Chiroodza (44) (a police constabulary) and Higgnor Matsika(31) (a soldier) appeared before Rusape magistrate, Miss Ruth Moyo, facing one count of extortion.

The trio who were represented by Mr Leonard Chigadza of Chigadza and Associates had pleaded not guilty.

However, overwhelming evidence saw them getting convicted of the crime.

Miss Moyo sentenced the trio to 12 months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition that they each pay a fine of $15 000.

State prosecutor, Mr Benoni Makuvire said the trio was not on official duty when they extorted US$ 250 from two quarry miners after accusing them of violating lockdown rules.

“On April 14, 2020 at around 11am, Argentino Kagodo and Petros Mandeya of Zumbani Mberi Mining Syndicate under Chief Tandi were at their quarry mining site when the three accused persons, who were not on official deployment and were wearing civilian attire, arrived at the mine.

“The accused persons approached the complainants and requested to check their mining permit. They also accused Kagodo and Mandeya of operating during the lockdown period. They demanded a bribe of US dollars. The complainants then offered to pay part of the money,” said Mr Makuvire.

“On April 15, Kasawaya made a phone call to Kagodo demanding the balance and this forced the complainant to make a police report,” said Mr Makuvire.