BULAWAYO – A court interpreter in Bulawayo, Affic Sabwe, 49, was apprehended for allegedly pretending to be a senior judicial officer and soliciting a US$500 bribe to secure the release of a rape suspect held at Khami Prison.

Sabwe reportedly approached the family of the accused, claiming he had the power to influence proceedings at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court to free the suspect, Sunny Bhebhe, who was in custody awaiting trial.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) revealed that between July 14 and 18, Sabwe convinced Tatenda Jekecha, a relative of Bhebhe, that he could manipulate the justice system to obtain Bhebhe’s release. He demanded a total of US$500 for this service.

Initially, Sabwe collected US$20 from Jekecha, under the pretense it was for “phone calls,” and later received an additional US$400 from Jekecha and Bhebhe’s wife, Moreblessing Chipomho. He assured them that Bhebhe would be freed by July 25.

When the release did not happen as promised, Jekecha grew suspicious and reported the matter to the police, which led to Sabwe’s prompt arrest.

Sabwe was granted bail of US$100 with strict conditions, including weekly check-ins with the Police Anti-Corruption Unit (PACU), a prohibition on contacting witnesses, and restrictions on his movement.

The case has been postponed to August 25 as investigations proceed.

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