Vereeniging Court interpreter in the dock for fraud

A court interpreter from Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court, Zimbabwean national Elizabeth Nyakai Kazembe (43), has appeared before the same court on charges of theft and fraud.

The allegations stem from an incident on 6 September 2023, where Kazembe reportedly contacted the family of an accused, Godfrey Mwashita, who was facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. During the phone call, Kazembe allegedly demanded a cash payment of R2000, promising that Mwashita would be released from custody that same day.

After the family complied with the demand and made the payment, Mwashita was not released. The family then reported the incident to the prosecutor at the court. A case was opened against Kazembe the following day, and she was summoned to appear before the court. During her appearance, she was released on a warning and the case was postponed to 28 October for further investigation and consultation.