Stephen Chivafa, a 56-year-old member of the neighborhood watch committee from Urayayi Village in Hurungwe, has been sentenced to three months in prison after being found guilty of obstructing justice.
On May 11, 2024, at approximately midnight, Chivafa took it upon himself to release two individuals who had been arrested on theft charges at the ZRP Kapfunde police post.
In a troubling misuse of his position, he demanded a bribe of USD10 in exchange for their freedom, a clear violation of both legal and ethical standards expected from a community leader.
The incident raised serious concerns about the integrity of neighborhood watch committees, which are designed to enhance community safety rather than undermine the rule of law.
Following the incident, local law enforcement was alerted, leading to a swift investigation and judicial proceedings against Chivafa.
His actions not only jeopardized the legal process but also eroded public trust in community initiatives meant to promote safety and cooperative policing.
During the court hearing, the prosecution presented evidence demonstrating how Chivafa’s actions could have encouraged criminal behavior and weakened the fight against theft in the area.
As the neighborhood watch roles are crucial in fostering cooperation between citizens and law enforcement, incidents like these can undermine their effectiveness.
Residents are now calling for stricter oversight of neighborhood watch committees to prevent any future abuses of power.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
