The Sunday News
INSIZA Rural District Council chairperson Daniel Mpofu has appeared before a Bulawayo magistrate facing charges of abuse of office after he allegedly demanded a bribe from a land developer.
Mpofu is being accused of demanding bribes from Nicholas Masuku of N and S Properties, whom he allegedly promised residential stands in Filabusi.
He appeared before Mrs Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze.
Prosecutor Mr Dumisani Ndlovu told the court that during the period extending from 12 July last year to 16 May this year at N and S properties, Mpofu “intentionally solicited for assistance on behalf of Insiza Rural District Council for purpose of showing favour to Nicholas Masuku.
He took from him cash amounting to $470 and one truck head cylinder which he then converted to his own use contrary to or inconsistent with his duties as a public officer”.
Mpofu was not asked to plead and will appear in court soon.
Mpofu, who has been calling for the arrest of people linked to a scandal where land was illegally sold to desperate individuals for prices ranging from $500 to $1 000 or a single beast, made headlines last week when it was reported that he faces possible arrest on allegations that he demanded favours from a property developer in exchange for awarding him stands in Filabusi.
Masuku is demanding that Mpofu pays back all the expenses incurred as the money was not meant to develop the community but solely for Mpofu.
“I used to give Mpofu money when he was coming to Bulawayo as he was indicating that he was trying to fix a council vehicle which he was supposed to use as the council chair.
“I saw it fit to assist him because I am also from Insiza and all what I was doing was to assist my community, not a mere individual,” said Masuku.
“Now he is claiming that I wanted to bribe him with $10 000 and a twin cab. Why was he then taking these small amounts of money which include $10, $50, $110? This shows that what he is saying does not make sense. How can you refuse to take all that money and take small notes? There is no logic in this and what can he call all this money which I was giving him?
“He is bitter about this issue because he has been exposed and he dreams of destroying my future which will not happen. I do not even have $10 000 which he is talking about, my personal assistant and account can testify that.”
Mpofu maintains that he did not solicit for a bribe but Masuku, out of his goodwill, insisted on catering for his expenses.
“I never asked for his money. He was giving me his money which he said were my transport costs. He categorically stated it clear that I should not be bothered by the transport costs as he was going to take care of the cost incurred.
“As for the head which he is going to town about, he should be ashamed because people know what happened.
“The matter is very simple and the head cost $22 and how can I fail to settle that amount of money. All this matter happened in June last year. Why is he then bringing up the matter now? He is very upset because he is a bogus land developer who came to us and lied about his work experience which when we went to investigate we discovered that he had lied,” said Mpofu.
“It is not a secret that he came to my office with some of the accused land sellers among them a councillor promising me a bribe. He should offer us an explanation on what his motive was when he thronged my office if he is denying that he offered me a bribe.”
