THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested, Mathew Mudimu (37), a ZimParks ranger, over allegations of theft and criminal abuse of duty.
In a statement, ZACC said Mudimu is accused of conspiring with a fellow ranger, Courage Homela, to illegally sell stolen Kapenta fishing permit tags, causing ZimParks an estimated loss of US$1,200.
“It is alleged that Mudimu conspired with fellow ranger Courage Homela to steal unregistered fishing tags from ZimParks storerooms. These tags were meant for official allocation to kapenta fishers.
“In March 2023, Mapuranga Chikwasha, a fisherman, had his application for a kapenta fishing permit rejected due to lake overcapacity.
“However, Mudimu reportedly offered Chikwasha three stolen fishing tags for lease for US$450 per month.
“Chikwasha paid US$700 through Mudimu’s wife and the accused person installed one of the tags on Chikwasha’s vessel,” reads the statement.
Mudimu’s ran out of luck when ZimParks officials conducted investigations upon a routine patrol.
“The situation came to light during a routine patrol when ZimParks officials found the unregistered tag and impounded the vessel.
“Investigations confirmed that the tag was stolen from ZimParks,” ZACC said.
Mudimu appeared at the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court on November 27, 2024, and was granted US$100 bail.
He is scheduled to return to court on December 14, 2024. – NewZimbabwe
