A court interpreter based at the Mbare Magistrates Court has found himself on the wrong side of the law after he was arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe to manipulate the outcome of a criminal proceeding. The interpreter, Tadiwanashe Chikomo (25), now stands accused of abusing his public office and compromising the integrity of the judicial system.
Chikomo appeared before Harare Regional Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa, facing a charge of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer. During his initial appearance, he was not asked to plead and was remanded pending further proceedings. His case has attracted public attention, highlighting ongoing concerns over corruption within Zimbabwe’s court system.
According to the State, the incident began on May 14, when complainant Natasha Matikiti attended court following the arrest of her husband, Kevin Sono. Sono had been detained by authorities for wearing military-style camouflage clothing in public, which is a criminal offence under Zimbabwean law. His matter was referred to Mbare Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody until May 19.
Before the court session started, Chikomo allegedly approached Matikiti, inquiring about her reasons for being at the premises. Upon learning about her husband’s legal situation, Chikomo reportedly informed her that the case was a “difficult one” and suggested that he could intervene if she was concerned about the possibility of an unfavourable judgment. According to prosecutors, this was the beginning of a scheme intended to exploit a vulnerable individual seeking justice within the formal court process.
After Sono was officially remanded in custody, Matikiti reportedly met with Chikomo outside the court building. It was during this encounter, the State claims, that Chikomo demanded a payment of US$200 in exchange for his help in facilitating Sono’s release and potentially arranging for a lesser penalty. He allegedly told Matikiti that the money would be used to “assist” the case and promised favourable outcomes in return. Matikiti is said to have paid US$120 upfront, assuring Chikomo that she would pay the remaining US$80 later.
Court official allegedly solicited cash to sway ruling in case involving illegal military apparel
However, disturbed by the alleged bribery attempt and uncertain of its legitimacy, Matikiti reported the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) at Mbare District Headquarters. The ZRP then launched an investigation into the incident and organised a sting operation in coordination with the complainant. As part of the operation, ZRP authorized the use of US$80 in genuine but photocopied currency to catch the interpreter in the act.
On May 19—the date of Sono’s next scheduled court appearance—ZRP officers monitored the area around the court as Matikiti arranged to meet with Chikomo. The meeting occurred just outside the court premises. During the surveillance, police allegedly witnessed Chikomo accepting the marked currency from Matikiti. Upon receiving the money, he reportedly attempted to flee the scene.
The ZRP Mbare intelligence team pursued Chikomo through nearby streets. He was eventually apprehended near Remembrance Drive after a short chase. The arrest was made without further incident, and Chikomo was taken into custody, where formal charges were laid against him. Authorities also recovered the marked money as part of the evidence for the court case.
Chikomo’s arrest has sparked discussions regarding ethics and accountability among officials working within the Zimbabwean system. Legal experts and anti-corruption advocates have called for a thorough and transparent trial process, noting that trust in the justice system is eroded whenever officers of the court engage in unlawful or exploitative conduct.
The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has also shown interest in the case, as it aligns with broader efforts to root out systemic corruption across public institutions. Although the ZACC has not officially joined the investigation, the matter remains under review.
Chikomo is expected to return to court soon as the case progresses. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence and be permanently barred from holding any public office. Legal analysts suggest that the case could serve as a precedent in reinforcing anti-bribery laws within the judicial sector.
As the court case unfolds, the public awaits further developments with great interest, hoping it signals a firm stance against corruption in Zimbabwe’s court system.
Source-Bulawayo24
