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Trio gets 18 months for fake prison release scheme in Mutare

MUTARE, Zimbabwe — The Mutare Magistrates Court has sentenced three men to 24 months in prison for extorting a woman by falsely claiming they could secure the release of her husband, who was facing a murder charge.

The convicted men — Shaloom Nyamazana, 26, Tinashe Chiwayi, 28, and Nigel Godwin Mukuruzado, 34 — were found guilty of defrauding Sibonginkosi Ncube, 38, of US$500 between Aug. 25 and 28, 2025.

Prosecutors said Nyamazana had met Ncube’s husband while both were in remand prison and later posed as a go-between, introducing Chiwayi as a “lawyer” who could allegedly influence “court outcomes.”

Mukuruzado later demanded payment, claiming he could help reduce the murder charge to culpable homicide. When Ncube realized she was being deceived, she reported the matter to police.

Detectives from the CID Mutare set a trap using US$150 in marked notes. Nyamazana and Mukuruzado were arrested at Halaal House Restaurant soon after receiving the money, while Chiwayi was later apprehended at Far End Night Club. The trap money was recovered.

All three men were convicted and sentenced to 24 months in prison, with six months suspended on condition of good behavior — leaving an effective 18-month jail term.

Authorities warned the public that no individual can influence or alter court proceedings, emphasizing that such deception is a criminal offense and offenders will be prosecuted.