CRIME & COURTS

ZINWA Employee Charged with Abuse of Office and Perjury

By Loyd Matare

A Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) employee, Dumisani Nyathi, has been charged with criminal abuse of office and perjury.

Nyathi allegedly testified in court without authorization, misrepresenting facts to benefit Pretty Sibanda in a case to evict Ernest Ncube.

Nyathi’s actions, if proven, would constitute a serious breach of trust and a violation of the Criminal Law Code, specifically section 174(1), which defines criminal abuse of office.

According to the section, “if a public officer, in the exercise of his or her functions as such, intentionally does anything that is contrary to or inconsistent with his or her duty as a public officer… he or she shall be guilty of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer”.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) considers the case against Nyathi a significant test of its commitment to prosecuting corrupt public officers.

As the authority notes, “prosecuting corrupt public officers is essential, but it must be carried out fairly and with due process”.

Nyathi has been remanded to February 12, 2025, pending further investigation and trial.

In a statement, the NPAZ emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who abuse their public office are held accountable.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served and that the integrity of our public institutions is protected,” the authority said.

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