Harare — A Goromonzi court official was yesterday arraigned before a Marondera magistrate on allegations of dema-nding US$350 from a suspect to let him off the hook.

Tembinkosi Dobiwa (37), who was represented by Mr Wilfred Chipato, pleaded not guilty to corruption charges.

Prosecutor Mr Godfrey Makwanya told the court that Dobiwa was employed by the Ministry of Justice as a court interpreter based at Goromonzi.

It is alleged that on unknown dates between April and September this year, Dobiwa unlawfully demanded US$350 from Ranganai Nyauziyo of Bangure Village under Chief Rusike.

Nyauziyo, who was facing theft charges, allegedly paid the money after selling two cattle to Binga Abattoir and was made to believe that he was now a State witness who would testify against his co-accused in the case.

However, realising that he had been duped because the charges against him had not been dropped, Nyauziyo reported the matter to the police.