Zimbabwe all-rounder Luke Jongwe foils spot-fixing scheme and upholds game's integrity
Jongwe was approached for spot-fixing [Twitter]
Zimbabwe Cricket has imposed a five-year ban on a cricket fan, Edward Walter Mupangano, for attempting to lure Zimbabwean international player Luke Jongwe into a spot-fixing scheme.
The culprit had offered to introduce the player to an Indian bookie who, in turn, promised him $7,000 in exchange for Jongwe's performance in a pre-determined manner during an international match. Mupangano himself was to receive a sum of $3,000 if the corrupt activity had succeeded.
Fortunately, Jongwe acted responsibly and reported the illicit offer immediately. Following an investigation, Mupangano was found guilty of violating Zimbabwe Cricket's Anti-Corruption Code. He accepted the charge of violating the code which led to his ban from all ZC-affiliated cricket events and venues for a period of five years.
Zimbabwe Cricket's officials believe that this case highlights the need for criminalizing match-fixing and other forms of sports corruption. According to them, imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment, could assist in eliminating one of the most significant threats to the game's credibility.
“Zimbabwe Cricket believes cases such as this demonstrate the urgent need for Zimbabwe to have a legal instrument to make fixing and any other sporting corruption a criminal offence,” Zimbabwe Cricket's Chairman, Tavengwa Mukuhlani said.
He also stated that criminalizing match-fixing and spot-fixing could serve as a robust warning to potential offenders, signalling that corruption has no place in cricket. Mukhulani further said that it could deter those who engage in such fraudulent activities from further misconduct by threatening them with imprisonment or expulsion from the game.
Zimbabwe Cricket's Managing Director, Givemore Makoni also emphasized the importance of maintaining honesty and professionalism at all levels of the game. He expressed gratitude towards Jongwe for reporting the illegal offer, stating that it is the responsibility of all participants to act responsibly and report any corrupt activity if cricket is to remain clean.
Luke Jongwe, aged 28, is an experienced Zimbabwean cricket player who has represented the nation in one Test, 37 ODIs, and 45 T20Is since his debut in 2014. His prompt reporting of the spot-fixing offer was commended by Zimbabwe Cricket, as it reinforces the game's ethical values and strengthens its integrity.
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