State Security Official Up For Extortion

AN employee in the Ministry of State Security yesterday appeared in court accused of extortion.

Nesbert Chinoputsa, 34, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Noticia Shenje, who remanded him to tomorrow for a ruling on an application he filed for discharge at the close of the State’s case.

The complainant is Brian Jackson, the director of Earthmoving Plants and Hire.

The court heard that between August 2019 and December 2021, Chinoputsa was approached by Jackson, who sought personal security protection after he encountered suspicious activity and felt his security was compromised.

During that period, Chinoputsa allegedly instilled fear in Jackson by telling him to give him a car so that he wouldn’t be killed.

In October 2020, Jackson gave Chinoputsa a Mazda B2200 and a Nissan Bluebird, which had no registration numbers.

On January 7 this year, Jackson reported the matter to the police leading to Chinoputsa’s arrest and the recovery of the two vehicles.

The State, represented by Belinda Chimuka, opposed Chinoputsa’s application for discharge arguing that no State witness’ testimony was discredited to warrant a discharge.

The State further argued that from the evidence led from Jackson, and his brother, Chinoputsa has more questions to answer in his defence.

“At hand is a case of extortion. It requires that there should be some illegitimate pressure for the acquisition of some advantage or favour.

“It is the State’s contention that the accused person intimidated the complainant with death when he said if he were not to buy the vehicle, he would die, thus it was exerting pressure.

“Knowing that no one would volunteer to die, it literally translates to undue pressure,” she said.