NUST lecturer arrested for 'soliciting bribe' from student

by Staff reporter

2013 February 06 08:37:32 | 5943 Views

A lecturer at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has been arrested for allegedly soliciting for a $500 bribe from a student who wanted his dissertation marked.

Dr Lerato Nare, a lecturer in the Faculty of Commerce, was arrested on Monday after the student reported him to the university authorities, who laid a trap for him.

Nust's director of information and public relations Mr Felix Moyo confirmed the development yesterday.

"I can confirm that a recently appointed lecturer was picked up by the police over an issue that we are still to verify.

"The details are still sketchy and we hope that after he has been taken to court we will know exactly what the charges are," said Mr Moyo without elaborating.

Fellow students from the Faculty of Commerce, who preferred anonymity, said Dr Nare demanded $500 upfront before he could mark the dissertation.

They also said the money was meant to secure a good pass for the research project.

"The student (name withheld) told Dr Nare that he did not have the $500, but could only afford $300. He discussed the matter with us and we advised him to report him to the Dean of Faculty," said a fellow student.

The Dean then alerted the university security who called the police and together they laid a trap for Dr Nare.

The students said their colleague phoned Dr Nare and arranged that they meet in the city centre where he gave him $300.

"As soon as he gave Dr Nare the money, the police and the university security personnel approached and caught him red-handed with the cash in his pocket. The security officers had recorded the serial numbers of the notes," said the student.

The students accused Dr Nare of delaying marking their dissertations despite the fact that the set deadlines for the projects were drawing near.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo, said the matter was already in court.

"That case is already at the courts and therefore my hands are tied and I cannot comment," said Insp Moyo.

Lecturer Arrested Bribe

Source: TC