Prison officer and suspected armed robber charged with forging medical report, face justice
In a shocking turn of events, a Harare prison officer has been accused of forging a medical report in an attempt to secure the release of a suspected armed robber. The accused officer, identified as Takawira Taderera (42), made his appearance before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi on Wednesday, where he faced a charge of defeating the course of justice.
Accompanying Taderera in court was the alleged armed robber, Witness Nyarupa (44). Both individuals have been remanded in custody until tomorrow, pending a bail ruling. Taderera, who serves as an employee of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), was represented by legal counsels Malvin Mapako and Joseph Nemaisa.
According to State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the incident unfolded on December 2, 2021, when Nyarupa was apprehended by detectives from CID Homicide Harare on charges of armed robbery. During Nyarupa’s time at the remand prison, the trial proceedings encountered an unexpected hurdle when Nyarupa claimed to be suffering from hearing problems.
In response, the State sought permission to have Nyarupa examined by an audiologist to verify his claims. Subsequently, on June 23, 2023, Nyarupa was taken to Audiomax Clinic in the capital for a comprehensive evaluation. The attending doctor, after conducting audiological tests, concluded that Nyarupa did not exhibit any hearing impairment.
The medical report was sent to the ZPCS Harare Remand Prison for further management. However, it was at this point that Taderera, who serves as a court orderly within ZPCS, intercepted the report and proceeded to forge another one, falsely affirming that Nyarupa indeed suffered from hearing difficulties. The forged report was then presented to Harare Magistrate’s Court on January 17, 2024.
In a bid to shed light on the matter, the prosecutor requested the presence of the audiologist in court to testify regarding the authenticity of the medical report. Much to the surprise of those present, the audiologist swiftly distanced herself from the forged report, discrediting its validity. Consequently, on January 23, 2024, Nyarupa made a shocking admission, confessing to colluding with Taderera in the act of forging the report. This admission ultimately led to Nyarupa’s subsequent arrest.
The case has sent shockwaves through the judicial system, highlighting the potential for corruption and deceit within the ranks of law enforcement. As investigations continue, many are left questioning the integrity of those entrusted with upholding justice and maintaining order.
