By Staff Reporter
A Public Prosecutor who was stationed at the National Prosecuting Authority’s Head Office was today sentenced by the Regional Court sitting at Harare Magistrates Court to 20 years for four counts of Criminal Abuse of Office.
Henry Mugove Muringani was found guilty on the 28th of March 2023 of unlawfully preparing bail applications for Tatenda Tawanda Mutengo, Bill Tirihama, Edwin Muchangwa and Prosper Chidaushe whose bail applications had initially been dismissed by the High Court due to the seriousness of the charges that they were facing.Â
The former Prosecutor drafted the bail applications on behalf of the accused persons on less
serious charges which were false to make the inmates eligible for bail.
He supported the false charges with fabricated documents, incorporating the charge sheet and
state outline based on non-existent facts, complainants and witnesses.
The inmates then presented the applications before the High Court appearing as self actors.
The accused person communicated with the suspects’ relatives who in turn paid him cash for his services.
He charged them various amounts ranging from USD200 to USD500. In so doing the accused person abused his public office to show favour to the inmates and prejudiced the Prosecutor General of Zimbabwe.
His duties were to defend and oppose the bail applications of the inmates as instructed by his
principal. His conduct was contrary to his duties as a public officer.
He was sentenced to five years for each count. Of the 20 years, 8 years were
suspended.
The accused person will serve 12 years effectively.
