By A Correspondent

Walter Makwalo, a 34-year-old Senior State Security Aide, has been convicted of 17 counts of fraud by the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

He was found guilty of impersonating the Officer Commanding Operations for the CIO Southern Region.

Between early 2023 and September 2023, Makwalo deceived Simon George Lee, a 40-year-old Harare-based farmer, by claiming he could facilitate the arrest, detention, and prosecution of Maurizio Arezio and Gabriel Arezio, who were allegedly involved in defrauding Lee of $170,600.

Makwalo falsely stated that bribes were necessary for police officers, National Prosecuting Authority officials, magistrates, and judges to ensure the case progressed in Lee’s favor. Believing this claim, Lee paid Makwalo a total of $21,300.

The Harare Magistrates’ Court sentenced Makwalo to 24 months in prison.

However, 18 months of the sentence were suspended for five years on the condition of good behavior, and the remaining six months were suspended on the condition that he performs 210 hours of community service.