Magistrate Arrested After Allegedly Accepting Microwave; Others As Bribe

Terence Mashaire, the senior magistrate at Murehwa Magistrates’ Court, has been accused of receiving a bribe in order to influence the outcome of a trial.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) claims Mashaire received groceries, stationery, and a Defy Microwave from the defendant, Allen Bhaswi, in September 2023. The presents were allegedly presented as a sign of appreciation for the good decision in Bhaswi’s case.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) further stated that the magistrate and Bhaswi communicated both before and after court proceedings. The case, which ended in December 2023, resulted in a decision in favour of Allen Bhaswi.

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Law enforcement authorities later located the stove at Mashaire’s home, which provided additional evidence of the suspected bribery.

Even after the lawsuit was concluded, Mashaire’s involvement continued. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has filed an appeal against the Allen Bhaswi case judgement. Mashaire apparently continued to advise Bhaswi on the legal processes before the High Court. According to an additional claim, Mashaire received USD450 from Bhaswi via Ecocash.

Terence Mashaire has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on March 4, 2024, for a bail ruling. The incident has raised questions about the integrity of the judiciary. The potential impact of external circumstances on legal decisions is being debated.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli