Registrar charged over bribe

A Harare district registrar has been charged with criminal abuse of office after he demanded US$100 to process a birth certificate.

Clemence Mbedzi (42) appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda on Thursday facing the charges.

He was remanded to May 27 on $20 000 bail. Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje alleged that on an unknown date but in March, Mbedzi met Thomas Kamwara who wanted a birth certificate for his brother Innocent at Market Square, Harare.

Mbedzi demanded US$100 to process the identity document.

The matter came to light when it was discovered by another registrar officer that there were inconsistencies with the serial numbers and birth records.

Kamwara implicated Mbedzi, leading to his arrest. — TREVOR MUTSVAIRO