Former Deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe’s appeal rejected – Nehanda Radio

The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed former Deputy Minister of Finance Terrence Mukupe’s appeal against his conviction and sentence for fuel smuggling.

Mukupe was found guilty by the High Court in November last year and sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of $12,780.

Mukupe, along with his accomplices Same Kapisoriso, Joseph Taderera and Leonard Mudzuto, were found guilty of smuggling 138,979 liters of diesel fuel.

Superior Court Judge Benjamin Chikowero initially sentenced each to three and a half years in prison; suspended for six months on the condition that they do not commit a similar crime within five years.

Additionally, they were each fined $2,780 or faced an alternative sentence of two years in prison if the fine was not paid.

The charges against Mukupe and the other defendants included violating Section 174(1) of the Customs and Excise Act for fraud and misrepresentation.

Mukupe, currently serving a three-year prison sentence for fraud, has found a new purpose behind bars.

At Khami Maximum Prison in Bulawayo, Mukupe said recently he was sharing his expertise in finance and mathematics with his fellow inmates, teaching business and providing guidance on entrepreneurship.

He expressed admiration for the facility’s focus on rehabilitation and the sense of brotherhood among inmates.

Mukupe praised Khami Prison as an exemplary correctional facility and emphasized the professionalism and attention given to the health of inmates. He also issued a warning to the public, urging individuals to stay on the right side of the law.

“We have training facilities here in Khami and I have a group of inmates whom I teach business subject as Mathematics and Finance fondi,” he said.

“Everyone aspires to be an entrepreneur these days and I often see people coming to me asking for advice on entrepreneurship and things they can do there once they are free. That’s why I pass on the skills I have to my fellow inmates.”