The Harare Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Ward 6 Epworth Councilor Nobody Makoni, 52, to 40 months imprisonment after convicting him on two counts of criminal abuse of duty.
According to the court, the conviction originated from an incident in 2024 when Makoni was approached by an informant, an individual aged 26, who sought to change ownership of a residential stand after purchasing it from Monica Chabvura.
The court heard that Makoni, acting as a Ward 6 Councilor, offered to facilitate the ownership change by operating outside council offices.
He initially demanded US$50.00 from the informant for his assistance.
Later, the informant approached the Epworth Local Board for clarification on the issue, where it was established that a councilor does not facilitate ownership changes, and Makoni’s actions were contrary to his duties.
Despite this, Makoni then demanded an additional US$100.00 from a 66-year-old woman who was also attempting to change ownership for her stand, which she had bought from the informant at the Epworth Local Board office.
The court heard that Makoni’s actions were contrary to or inconsistent with his duties as a public officer.
Makoni will serve an effective 30 months, with 10 months suspended for five years.
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