CHIMANIMANI-Six police officers stationed at Cashel Valley were arrested and brought before Mutare magistrate courts for abuse of public office after they smuggled 125 bales worth over $300 000 into the country from Mozambique through an illegal entry point in Chimanimani.
The six accused Cosmos Madzivavanzira (39), Shadreck Hapaori (35), Godfrey Mazhonga (28), Timothy Chatira (29), Alphious Zimhunhu (30) and Lenin Muvengwa (21) appeared before magistrate Charles Murowe who remanded them out of custody on $50 each.
They are alleged to be part of the syndicate from Harare that is smuggling thousands of second hand clothes into the country through some illegal entry points prejudicing the State of thousands of dollars in revenue.
It is a State case that on 28 March 2012, the police officers who were on a border patrol were working in connivance with a business mogul only identified as Dzingayi.
Dzingayi hired a lorry and three commuter omnibuses from Harare to ferry the bales of smuggled clothes from Chimanimani.
Dzingayi assured the drivers of the vehicles that he had made prior arrangements with they should not worry about security agents in the road.
The hired drivers met with Dzingayi at the Nyambeya turn off, near Mozambique border and proceeded to load the loot.
However, Seargent Mbewe of Marange received a tip off about the illicit dealings and went to the border to investigate.
On arrival, he saw the truck loaded with 125 bales but other two kombis had already left. Mbewe instructed Marange police officers to intercept the commuters omnibus at Mutambara Mission.
There was a misunderstanding between the officers and Mbewe resulting in a scuffle. A reinforcement was called resulting in the arresting of the officers.
Recently, a senior police officer in Nyanga was arrested on allegations of stealing $1800 paid as fines. Inspector Kiniel Chitando (48) was remanded in police custody for bail consideration.
Post published in: News