MICROFINANCE FIRMS IN TROUBLE AS GOVT OWES US$85M

The Government is limping financially; for the last five months, it has not remitted US$85m it deducted from civil servants’ salaries to service loans borrowed from microfinance companies, Masvingo Mirror has established.

In addition to the US$85m, there is a Zig component backlog which Masvingo Mirror could not establish.

Stakeholders have called for government intervention to save the situation.

The situation is dire and has paralysed microfinance institutions, banks and deposit-taking microfinance institutions throughout the country, with CBZ subsidiary Red Sphere Finance suspending with immediate effect all loans to civil servants until further notice, according to a statement released by the company on December 9, 2025.

Several sources who spoke to Masvingo Mirror on condition of anonymity said many microfinance institutions are closing shop. The situation also affects government policy on financial inclusion, with civil servants who are most of the poor failing to access loans in times of need.

Salary Service Bureau (SSB) Paymaster Twoboy Shoko confirmed the arrears in a telephone interview with Masvingo Mirror but declined to discuss the actual figure. He, however, dismissed allegations of a financial crisis in government and said the delay in remittances was not due to the government’s inability to pay but a deliberate measure to manage liquidity in the economy.

He said the backlog will be cleared by the end of this year, with 150 microfinance institutions being paid this week alone.

The position, however, contradicts sources who told Masvingo Mirror that the government is so broke that it is failing to pay the second tranche of US$75 presidential civil servant bonuses. Sources said payment of the US$75 is no longer going to be done together with the December salaries but has been pushed to December 30 to allow the Ministry of Finance to look for the money.

It is still not certain whether this payment will happen on December 30, and other sources said civil servants may receive the bonus in 2026. Sources also said that the government is not remitting subscriptions to the National Social Security Authority and Premier Medical Aid Society.

Godfrey Chitambo, Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Association of Microfinance Institutions (ZAMFI), said he is not aware of the arrears.

“I am not aware that micro finance institutions are owed by the Government. We had a meeting on Wednesday and that issue was never raised. If that is the case and our members alert us, we will take up the matter,” he said.

“Yes, I can confirm that the government has a backlog on payments to microfinance institutions. It is not because the government lacks the capacity to pay, but it is one of the measures to control liquidity in the market. The amount will be cleared by the end of December this year. This week alone, we are going to pay 150 microfinance institutions.

“Microfinance institutions have flooded the market. It was discovered that civil servants lack financial discipline, and this had become a major concern. Some employees were getting loans from more than four institutions, leaving them highly indebted. SSB and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe will hold district and provincial workshops next year to train civil servants on financial discipline,” said Shoko.

Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo referred questions to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment.

Efforts to get a comment from Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Mthuli Ncube were futile as his mobile phone was on voicemail. 

“Please be advised that Red Sphere Finance is suspending lending to SSB clients effective December 9, 2025. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause. Further communication will be shared once there are notable developments,” reads the letter signed by Red Sphere Finance General Manager, Desmund Ali.

Desmund Ali, Red Sphere Finance General Manager, declined to comment and referred questions to CBZ Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Matilda Nyathi. Masvingo Mirror

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UYAZAMA

 

Uyazama kodwa pic.twitter.com/rZK8xjBHx4

— freelance (@PhillipSibanda8) December 13, 2025

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MINISTER VS WIDOW : JOURNALISTS ARRESTED

After arresting  Mirror journalists on Wednesday and having failed to make charges of trespassing into Ezra Chadzamira’s alleged property, Masvingo Police were forced to investigate the alleged use of a Masvingo Mirror Toyota Aqua for armed robberies.

Mirror accountant Tinashe Koga was ordered by Officer-in-Charge of the Criminal Investigations Department Law and Order, Edwin Masiiwa, to surrender the car’s book for verification. Masiiwa, Mirror Editor; Garikai Mafirakureva, News Editor; Simbarashe Mtembo, Koga and another police officer took the book to Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara), where details were checked and authenticated.

Zinara cleared the car, including the fact that it is up to date with all its statutory obligations. Sources told Masvingo Mirror that it was Chadzamira’s private bodyguards and hangers-on, who masquerade as Central Intelligence officers, who were pressuring police to find a case for Mirror journalists and impound the vehicle.

Masiiwa said police are looking for a Toyota Aqua of the same colour as the Mirror vehicle that was used in a series of robberies around Masvingo between November 14 and December 4, 2025. The Aqua was allegedly used for robberies at Gain Cash and Carry in downtown Masvingo, and the robbers went away with US$900, and the car was captured on CCTV minus the number plate.

Contacted for comment, Mirror consultant Matthew Takaona urged police and Central Intelligence chiefs to stop their juniors from being abused by powerful individuals who regard them as militia.

“It is alarming that a mere Minister of State for Masvingo Province abrogates himself powers to summon and direct national institutions as important as the Police and CIO to fight his personal battles. This brazen abuse of office and authority is dangerous, as it weakens the centres of such institutions and eventually creates chaos and anarchy.

“Journalists have an obligation to cover matters of public interest, including the land wrangle between Chadzamira and Farai Mutsetse, without fear or favour. Police and CIO have no business in that matter.

“Masvingo Mirror will not be intimidated or deterred from duty by hooligans in Chadzamira’s camp who masquerade as CIOs and police officers. We have respect for our security arms and no time for impersonators of police and CIO,” said Takaona.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the matter was yet to be brought to his attention.

Chadzamira did not pick up calls when phoned for a comment.

The journalists were arrested when they went to Plot No. 1 Flesk in Morningside to investigate reports of water bursts on the Masvingo City main water pipeline from Bushmead Waterworks allegedly caused by Chadzamira’s workers, who are building a school on an 8.5-hectare piece of land which, according to court papers, is owned by Mutsetse Family Enterprise.

As they drove around the area, Chadzamira was alerted to the presence of journalists, and he ordered the police and the CIO to arrest the journalists. Two truckloads, one of them with nine CID officers (one of them armed with an AK-47 rifle) and another truck with seven CIO, arrived at the scene and harassed journalists before arresting them. They were accused of trespassing on Chadzamira’s private property.

An unidentified man who hangs around with Chadzamira’s bodyguards and masquerades as a CIO operative and drives Chadzamira’s 2025 Land Cruiser blocked the Masvingo Mirror car and started harassing the journalists. He was in the company of Chenaimoyo Dandanyika, a CIO operative who drives Chadzamira. The man was violent and poked fingers into Mtembo’s face and dared him to a fight. He told the Masvingo Mirror that he was a member of the Central Intelligence and his business was to kill. He said nothing happens to him even if he kills an innocent person.

Dandanyika refused to disclose the man’s name when contacted by Masvingo Mirror.

A source in the CIO disowned him and told Masvingo  Mirror to report him to the police.

The journalists were taken to Masvingo Central, where they were detained for three hours before they were freed. Masvingo Mirror

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IS ZIM OVERTAXED : GUVAMATANGA SPEAKS

 

Is Zimbabwe overtaxed? A debate with Treasury Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga.

Government benchmarks itself against peers and prefers to sit at the mean. On that basis, the 10% gold royalty is now being reduced back to 5%.

But here is the tension. If GDP is growing at 5%… pic.twitter.com/eFK0wrKeBJ

— Tinashe (@baba_nyenyedzi) December 13, 2025

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ED HANDS OVER YET MORE CARS

President Mnangagwa yesterday presented 10 brand new Ford Everest vehicles to members of the Zanu PF Elders Council as part of ongoing efforts to enhance mobility and strengthen the revolutionary party’s activities.

In addition to the vehicles, the Zanu PF First Secretary and President also donated 10 laptops, iPads, and iPhones to the ruling party’s Information and Publicity Department to bolster its information dissemination mandate.

The Council of Elders, led by former Cabinet Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, got Ford Everest vehicles that will enhance their advisory role to the party.

Other members of the Council include Cdes Idah Mashonganyika, Josaya Hungwe, David Parirenyatwa, Enock Sibanda, Gibson Masiya, Edna Madzongwe, Angeline Masuku, Maina Mandava and Aaron Mabhoyi Ncube.

The 10 were handed car keys by President Mnangagwa at a colourful ceremony held at State House.

President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Zanu PF Secretary-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya and his deputy, Mr George Charamba (responsible for Presidential Communications.)

In his brief speech, Cde Sekeramayi commended President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

“As Council of Elders, we will do everything expected of us. Our preoccupation has been to ensure that the country prospers. We will continue lending our support behind you. We have seen a lot of improvement and developments in the country such as construction of bridges, road rehabilitation, schools construction and hospitals,” said Cde Sekeramayi.

Cde Mashonganyika echoed the same sentiments.

“Our President continue to remember us, our role as Council of Elders and the need to capacitate us. We are indeed indebted to out leader, President Mnangagwa,” said Cde Mashonganyika.

Cde Madzongwe said it was quite pleasing to be recognised by the party and its leader.

“That shows that our President has people at heart. We are quite grateful,” said Cde Madzongwe who is former Senate President.

The Council comprises former members of the Politburo as well as luminaries from party organs appointed by the President in terms of their probity, integrity, experience and knowledge of the party.

Their function is to advise the President on all pertinent party matters relating to party governance and external relations, to advise on the resolution of conflicts that may arise among and between senior party members, at the instance of the President or its own initiative.

It provides guidance on party doctrine and ideology; and to advise on any issue referred to it by the President and First Secretary of the party.

President Mnangagwa also handed over laptops, iphones and ipads to Zanu PF Information and Publicity department.

Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa thanked President Mnangagwa saying the donation came at an opportune time when the country was adopting a new economic blue print the National Development Strategy 2.

“We have been given a whole wave of tools for our work as the Information Department of the party. This is coming at a very opportune time when the Minister of Finance has just announced the National Development Strategy No. 2. We are leaping to new heights of economic development under President Mnangagwa.

“There is a very vibrant middle class which is emerging within Zimbabwe, caters for our alignment with our natural resources, the land, but more important, the business-friendly policies which President Mnangagwa has given to both domestic capital and foreign capital,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

“The vibrancy of our economic growth is no longer in question even by erstwhile doubters. Some of our compliments are coming from none other than the International Monetary Fund, which used to be a detractor to the Zimbabwean economy. We are also very happy that the American Government now sees fit to revisit the issue of sanctions in Zimbabwe as has been pronounced by the Ambassador personally.

“We have suffered on the wrong side of the major economy of the world. Now that America is on board, it can make our economy go to new heights, building upon the other relationships which we have maintained with the second, third, and fourth largest economy in the world.” Herald

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MOTORISTS USING PHONES WILL BE ARRESTED : COPS

In a decisive move to curb road traffic accidents, the Government has urged police to enforce laws against motorists using mobile devices while driving.

The initiative arises from alarming rates of fatal accidents attributed to distracted driving.

Yesterday, the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ), in collaboration with the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, hosted a workshop in Harare, under the theme, “Don’t phone, text and drive”.

It brought together key stakeholders, including Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco, Harare Metropolitan Province Permanent Secretary Mr Cosmas Chiringa, TSCZ board vice chairperson Ms Lizwe Bhunu, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi and transport operators like Zimbabwe Public Transport Organisation (ZPTO) chairman Dr Sam Nhanhanga.

Deputy Minister Sacco praised the collaboration between POTRAZ and TSCZ, praising the collective responsibility of Government officials, regulators, mobile operators, and all road users.

“I must, however, admit that we convene this session when most of us are anxious, as this season is generally associated with increased incidents of road crashes,” he said.

“Hence, we carry the feeling of heavy-heartedness and optimism at the same time. My heart is heavy because every day on our roads, lives are cut short not by fate or crashes, but by choices we make.”

Deputy Minister Sacco spoke strongly about the growing problem of distracted driving, particularly the dangers associated with texting and using phones while driving.

“Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio.

“Of the various forms of distraction mentioned above, texting is the most alarming form, as it combines visual, manual and cognitive distractions.

“When you look down to text, you are not merely taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds; you are risking everything,” he explained.

Despite improvements in road infrastructure under the National Development Strategy 1, the rising number of distracted drivers poses a significant risk.

“Even with our improvements in road infrastructure, we witness tragic crashes caused by drivers who are not fully focused on the road, often due to mobile devices.

“This issue affects not only those involved, but also their families and communities,” warned Deputy Minister  Sacco.

In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Chiringa, Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Senator Charles Tawengwa said: “Each year, countless lives are lost or forever changed due to road crashes.

“It is our responsibility to take action, raise awareness and foster a culture of road safety on our roads.

“This campaign aims to educate our community and the nation at large on the importance of safe driving practices. We need to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and the significance of adhering to traffic laws.”

Dr Nhanhanga expressed concern over the frequency of fatal accidents caused by drivers using mobile phones.

As the campaign unfolds, the emphasis remains on education and enforcement to create a safer driving environment for all.

Together, stakeholders are determined to foster a culture of road safety, urging motorists to refrain from distractions behind the wheel. Herald

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CHINESE BANNED FROM ARTISANAL MINING

 

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TUNGWARARA CONFUSION : POLITBURO TO DECIDE

 

ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa has announced that Manicaland Province recommendation of Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara to the Central Committee warrants respect and will be finalized by the Politburo same way as the Dr… pic.twitter.com/sKsbLAM9ki

— Jones Musara (@JonesMusara) December 12, 2025

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MAN BEDS BROTHER'S WIFE FOR THREE YEARS

A community court recently censured a man who allegedly seized a grinding mill, three cattle, and a goat from his brother after discovering that he had an affair with his wife, which resulted in the birth of a child.

The case was heard at Chief Makoni’s community court, where Michael Dzomba dragged his brother, Itai Mashumba, demanding the return of the property.

The two men, who belong to the same clan, have been locked in a bitter dispute since the alleged affair, which occurred during Mashumba’s troubled marriage.

Dzomba testified that Mashumba had taken the law into his own hands, bypassing proper procedures for reporting adultery and instead confiscating his property without consent.

The court heard that Dzomba admitted to having a relationship with Mashumba’s wife, which led to the birth of a child. Mashumba, however, insisted he had not acted alone.

“I did not take the matter into my own hands. I did this in the presence of Sabhuku Madziro, who also witnessed the signing of the payments,” he told the court.

Sabhuku Madziro corroborated Mashumba’s account, claiming the two parties had reached an out of court settlement and that Dzomba was now reneging.

“Dzomba had a relationship with Mashumba’s wife for three years, and they bore a child together. When I heard the case, I referred it to Headman Fusire. The two parties agreed to settle the matter out of court. That is what I know,” said Madziro.

In his ruling, Chief Makoni declared the process invalid, noting that no formal judgment had compelled Dzomba to pay Mashumba. He ordered the immediate return of the seized property.

“Courts were set up to resolve disputes between people. What Mashumba did was extortion, because Dzomba paid under duress. He should have reported the adultery case properly and had it handled by a competent court. Confrontation can lead to serious outcomes. Only the messenger of this court has the authority to attach a person’s property. Mashumba is ordered to return the beasts, goat, and grinding mill to Dzomba, and then report the adultery case properly,” ruled Chief Makoni.

Mashumba then immediately made a counter-report of adultery against Dzomba, telling the court that he saw messages in his wife’s phone where she was informing him that their last-born child was his.

He added that his wife and Dzomba had admitted the allegations.

“I saw messages in my wife’s phone – she was communicating with Dzomba, informing him that our last-born was his child, and Dzomba said that he was fine with it. My wife admitted dating Dzomba. I confronted Dzomba in the company of Sabhuku Madziro, and he admitted dating my wife.

“I informed my father-in-law, who advised me to solve the matter amicably.

My father-in-law later came and accompanied me to Dzomba’s homestead. Dzomba left us at his homestead in the afternoon, claiming that he was looking for some money, and returned the following morning. He came back with Sabhuku Madziro. We had negotiations over the matter, and we reached an agreement that he was to compensate me with three beasts, goat, and grinding mill,” said Mashumba.

Dzomba admitted to dating Mashumba’s wife, but told the court that he was doubting the child’s paternity.

“I am not denying that I dated his wife. What I am doubting is the child’s paternity because ‘tiri two-in-one ipapa’. Can this court direct us to go for DNA tests for the truth to be revealed,” he said.

Mashumba’s wife, whose name was not disclosed in court, also admitted to cheating with Dzomba and confirmed that he was the child’s father.

“Dzomba is the father of the child. I am sure because the time I was dating him, I was not sleeping with my husband,” she said.

Chief Makoni found Dzomba guilty of adultery with aggravating circumstances and ordered him to pay Mashumba three beasts.

He also ruled that the grinding mill be returned to Dzomba.

“For clarity on paternity, there is a need for a DNA test. Dzomba is fined a beast for adultery, another beast for being intimate in Mashumba’s kitchen, and another for the three years the woman was denying her husband conjugal rights while he was benefiting. The grinding mill should be returned to Dzomba. Dzomba is ordered to meet Mashumba’s US$40 cost of suit,” ruled Chief Makoni. Manica Post

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MADZIBABA TO BE BURIED IN CHIWESHE

Khiama Boys frontman Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, who lost his battle against diabetes at Chitungwiza Central Hospital yesterday, will be laid to rest at a family shrine in Chiweshe on Sunday.

He was 69.

The revered musician had been facing health challenges for months and was hailed as a legend, mentor and hero of the arts industry, having made significant contributions to the growth of the music industry in Zimbabwe.

Fellow musicians, fans and neighbours, who thronged his home in Chitungwiza A Extension, celebrated Madzibaba as a role model deserving a high-profile send-off.

They agreed that his legacy speaks for itself, while his body of work has left an indelible mark on the showbiz landscape.

Leading the tributes, his mentee Alick Macheso, described Madzibaba as an icon and hero of the arts industry.

Fighting back tears, Macheso referred Madzibaba as a “bridge” in the sungura genre, which helped catapult many stars to success.

“I was among the first to arrive after learning about his death just after 1am,” he shared in an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub at Madzibaba’s home.

“I am who I am because of his generosity and mentorship. I will always cherish the invaluable lessons he taught me. He was a bridge to some of us who passed through his hands and class.”

Macheso also spoke fondly of Madzibaba’s wife, Margaret Gweshe, who has been left without her loving husband.

“She looked after me when I was young and treated me like a son. I can’t forget all she did for me when I was a nobody,” he recalled.

As one of the few remaining father figures in showbiz following Madzibaba’s demise and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s departure, Macheso said he owed much of his success to the former Khiama Boys leader.

“My career and journey to acclaim would be incomplete without acknowledging the fatherly role Madzibaba played,” he stated.

“He took me into his home, where he was both strict and loving. He always wanted me to excel in music, and I continue to uphold that standard.”

Madzibaba’s widow, Margaret Gweshe, was equally heartbroken.

“We have lost a father and a pillar who served as our shield. We did our best, but sadly, there was nothing we could do to save him,” she noted, recalling her earlier appeals for help while Madzibaba was unwell last year.

Veteran arts promoter Barbara “Mama Red Rose” Chikosi, who worked with both Madzibaba and Macheso, described him as a humble role model.

“Madzibaba was a legend whom I respected deeply. I collaborated with him on various significant occasions, including their reunion concert with Macheso,” she stated.

“I believe that upcoming musicians have much to learn from Madzibaba, especially regarding humility and focus.” Herald

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ED PROMOTES 28 SENIOR ARMY OFFICERS

Twenty eight Zimbabwe National Army officers were yesterday elevated from the rank of Major to Lieutenant Colonel at an event held at Josiah Magamba Tongogara Barracks in Harare.

Presiding over the investiture ceremony, Brigadier General (Administration Staff) Christopher Rangwana said the promotions were not based solely on past achievements, but on demonstrated potential to serve the nation at a higher level.

“His Excellency, President Mnangagwa does not promote based solely on your accomplishments, but on the potential you have to serve the nation with honour and excellence in a higher position,” he said.

“These new ranks are a testament not only to your characters but also to the increased trust and confidence the commander and the nation place in your capabilities.”

Brig Gen Rangwana said the officers had demonstrated integrity, patriotism, courage and commitment to duty.

“Over the past years, each of you has exemplified the core values of our military, which include integrity, patriotism, courage, and commitment to duty,” he said.

“Your unwavering dedication and exceptional performance have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on your units and the organisation as a whole. Your rank is worn by officers who are able to demonstrate strategic thinking under pressure and difficult environments, possessing the ability to motivate others, and an unfailing commitment to duty.”

Brig Gen Rangwana urged them to embrace responsibility, inspire subordinates and foster leadership development within their units.

“As you step into these new higher echelons of leadership, I challenge each of you to embrace your new responsibilities with diligence and foresight,” he said.

“Uphold the principles that have made you successful and ensure your conduct is worthy of emulation. Take note that you are now responsible for fostering the growth of the next generation of leaders.”

Speaking after her promotion, Lieutenant Colonel Princess Tshuma said she felt deeply honoured to have been selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates.

She added that her background in information and communication technology (ICT) had played a key role in her elevation.

“I am more than happy. I feel honoured to be chosen among so many candidates,” Lt Col Tshuma said.

Lt Col Lawrence West said he was greatly honoured by the confidence shown in him by the army’s leadership, adding that the promotion was a key milestone in his military career.

“I feel so greatly honoured for the recognition by our commanders to be elevated to this rank,” he said. Herald

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PAY BACK THE VENDORS : CONVICTED ZANU PF COUNCILLOR ORDERED

Zanu-PF Ward 1 councillor, Josiah Mutangi, who was convicted of 13 counts of fraud for duping vendors of their money, has been ordered to perform 490 hours of community service at  Bulawayo Central Police Station, and to restitute the victims their money by February 27, 2026.

Cllr Mutangi’s co-accused, Janet Zhou, will perform 450 hours of community service at Cowdray Park police station for the same charges.

Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate, Richard Ramaboea, sentenced the pair to a total of 40 months in prison, and suspended two months from each count on condition that they restitute all the victims in full by February 27. The remaining 14 months were commuted to community service for each of them.

Mutangi and Zhou were convicted on 13 counts of fraud last week, after they swindled local vendors of money by falsely promising them vending bays. The pair, who had denied the charges, was found guilty by the court.

Magistrate Ramaboea ruled that the vendors had only handed over their money because they were assured of legal vending bays that would allow them to trade without running from municipal police, but Mutangi and Zhou instead defrauded them.

He said receipt books produced in court and the constitution of their purported Bulawayo Achievers Association were part of a ploy to evade the charges.

In mitigation, their lawyer, Constance Mathaba of Makiye and Partners,  submitted that Mutangi was a first-time offender who had learnt from the experience and was prepared to compensate the complainants. She said the extensive media coverage of the case had already caused him significant embarrassment and that he would not want to repeat such conduct.

“The accused has never broken the law until now. He is also willing to restitute the complainants their money. For a person of his standing, he has learnt his lesson,” she said, adding that the public scrutiny surrounding the case had been punitive in itself. CITE

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