Senior State Security Aide Convicted of Fraud in Harare

34-year-old Walter Makwalo, a senior state security aide, has been convicted on 17 counts of fraud at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.  

Makwalo’s elaborate scheme involved impersonating a high-ranking intelligence official to swindle a local farmer out of thousands of dollars.

Between early 2023 and September 2023, Makwalo targeted Simon George Lee, a 40-year-old Harare-based farmer.

Makwalo promised to leverage his supposed influence to manipulate the legal system in Lee’s favor, deceiving him into believing he was the “Officer Commanding Operations, CIO Southern Region.”

By Vongai Masuka 

Lee had allegedly been defrauded of $170,600 by Maurizio and Gabriel Arezio, and Makwalo offered to ensure their arrest, detention, and prosecution.

“Makwalo falsely claimed that bribes were required for police officers, National Prosecuting Authority officials, magistrates, and judges to ensure the case proceeded in Lee’s favor,” the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) stated in a press statement.

Over several months, Lee paid Makwalo a total of $21,300, believing the funds were being used to influence officials involved in his case. However, Makwalo’s promises were empty, and his claims of influence were fabricated.

The Harare Magistrates’ Court handed down a 24-month prison sentence to Makwalo.

Eighteen months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior. 

The remaining six months were suspended on the condition that Makwalo performs 210 hours of community service.

The NPAZ emphasized its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability among public officers.

 “The NPAZ is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public officers are held accountable for their conduct,” the statement asserted.