By Admore Mbonda in kariba
KARIBA— A Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) game ranger has been jailed after a Kariba court found he solicited bribes from fishermen in exchange for releasing impounded boats and equipment seized during Lake Kariba patrols.
Cleopas Dzapasi, 44, based in Kariba and residing at ZimParks’ Peter’s Point Quarters, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Kariba Magistrates’ Court this week.
Of that term, four months were suspended on condition of good behaviour, and a further two months were suspended if he pays restitution—meaning Dzapasi is expected to serve an effective six months.
The court convicted Dzapasi on two counts of criminal abuse of duty by a public officer.
Prosecutors told the court that Dzapasi was on duty patrolling near Rhino Island on 19 December 2023 at around 0600 hours when he arrested Innocent Kasonga and seven other fishermen for illegal entry into Lake Kariba.
During the operation, Dzapasi impounded a fibre boat bearing registration KF1583, powered by a 13-horsepower Changfa engine, together with four metal dinghy boats as exhibits. Kasonga was said to be the owner of the Changfa engine.
The fishermen were released after they were ordered to pay deposit fines totalling USD1,800 admitting guilt and consenting to the release of the impounded boats and equipment.
However, the court heard Kasonga and his colleagues failed to raise the cash and then approached Dzapasi with the situation.
On 28 December 2023, at around 1100 hours, at Nyamhunga Shopping Centre, Dzapasi allegedly took USD150 from Kasonga “contrary to his duties” to facilitate the release of the impounded Changfa engine.
Prosecutors said Dzapasi also impounded Kasonga’s fibre boat KF1583 during the same period. The owner was Brandon Manuel.
Kasonga advised Manuel that the boat had been impounded. On 1 January 2024, at around 1600 hours, at Mahombekombe Shopping Centre, Dzapasi allegedly received USD100 from Manuel to facilitate the release of the impounded fibre boat.
In both cases, the court heard Dzapasi became evasive after receiving the money. The complainants later explained the matter to Reason Muswere, who informed superiors on 21 January 2024.
When he was called to respond, Dzapasi confirmed receiving the money on both occasions and undertook to refund the complainants. Prosecutors said he failed to honour that undertaking.
After Dzapasi did not refund the money, the State reported the matter to the police.
The court ruled that Dzapasi acted unlawfully in both counts and convicted him accordingly.
The conviction comes as authorities and observers continue to raise concerns about corruption surrounding anti-poaching and fisheries enforcement on Lake Kariba, where cash fines and impounded fishing gear are frequent flashpoints between enforcement officers and fishing communities.
Local critics say such cases undermine public confidence in conservation efforts and risk fuelling mistrust between ranger patrol teams and the people living off fishing.
In the wake of the judgment, the case is expected to intensify calls for tighter oversight, stronger accountability mechanisms, and clearer complaint channels for members of the public who come into contact with enforcement operations.
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