Staff ReporterIn a scandal that has shaken Plumtree, a border town in Zimbabwe, a prosecutor and a regional magistrate are facing serious consequences following the leak of inappropriate photographs on WhatsApp. Prosecutor Willbrought Kennedy Muleya and Regional Magistrate Sithembiso Ndebele have been thrust into the center of controversy due to these revelations.
The scandal surfaced when Muleya’s wife, finding him intoxicated, accessed his phone and discovered multiple photographs of him with various women, including some who are married. These images, allegedly requested by Muleya, were shared by his wife in a WhatsApp group, quickly becoming a hot topic in Plumtree.
Sithembiso Ndebele, a regional magistrate, was also implicated in the scandal, shown in a compromising position with Muleya in the leaked images. Other individuals in the photos include a police officer and a migration agency worker.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed deep concern over these allegations and has committed to investigating them thoroughly, promptly, and impartially. The NPA has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct and its expectation that all prosecutors maintain high ethical standards and integrity.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), responsible for the oversight of magistrates and judges, confirmed that it is aware of the allegations against Ndebele and is currently conducting consultations on the matter.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar case earlier this year involving Justice Thomson Mabhikwa, who was dismissed following the leak of his private photographs due to personal disputes and allegations of misconduct.
As investigations continue, the responses of the NPA and JSC are being closely watched, with their actions expected to reflect the integrity and ethical standards of Zimbabwe’s legal profession.
