Pardon Dziva, a Public Prosecutor at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, and his co-accused, Alex Tombe, were convicted of fraud today by the Harare High Court. The convictions stem from a bribery case involving the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) President, Henrietta Rushwaya.
The court heard that on November 15, 2023, Dziva demanded USD 20,000 from ZMF CEO Wellington Takavarasha in exchange for facilitating a lighter sentence for Rushwaya, who had been convicted of smuggling. Takavarasha reported the bribe demand to Rushwaya’s sister, Helliate Rushwaya, the Board Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.
Helliate Rushwaya alerted the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Corruption Unit, which then set up a sting operation. She arranged to meet Dziva and Tombe at the CABS Centre. At the meeting, Tombe approached Helliate Rushwaya and claimed he was sent to collect the money on behalf of Dziva. Insisting on handing over the money directly to Dziva, they then drove to Kebab Restaurant in Milton Park where the transaction was to take place.
Upon arrival, Dziva approached Helliate Rushwaya’s vehicle and accepted the trap money, leading to the immediate arrest of both men.
Dziva and Tombe are scheduled to appear in court on June 4, 2024, for a pre-sentencing hearing. This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within Zimbabwe’s judicial system.
