Detectives rob Mozambican of mbanje

A Mozambican national  was allegedly robbed of $1 900 and more than 90kgs of mbanje and threatened with death by three detectives stationed at Checheche Growth Point.

The trio, Detective Constable Kusi, Detective Constable Gonamombe and Detective Constable Marichi appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate, Mr Noah Gwatidzo last Friday facing theft charges.

They pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody to yesterday (Thursday) for trial.

Public prosecutor, Mr Themba Dhliwayo, told the court that on April 15, the three detectives got information from an informant at Checheche Growth Point to the effect that a Mozambican national only identified as Jimsen was at the business Centre selling mbanje.

"The three detectives set up a trap to arrest Jimsen. They made use of Peter Verenga who pretended to be a buyer. They phoned Jimsen and told him to supply them with mbanje. Jimsen told them to come to his homestead in Chibota Village in Mozambique to collect their order.

"Jimsen phoned his relative, Caleb Muchakotama of Chapo Village under Chief Musikavanhu's area of Chipinge to pick the three detectives at D-Zone Bar at Rimbi Business Centre. Caleb was to transport the detectives to Jimsen's homestead to collect the consignment," said Mr Dhliwayo.

Mr Dhliwayo said on April 16 at around 8pm, the three detectives arrived at Chibota Township in Mozambique where they met Jimsen.

"They told him that they had come to collect the mbanje. Jimsen accompanied them to his homestead where they loaded the mbanje in a Toyota Noah, silver in colour. They asked Jimsen to enter into the car to receive his payment. Both parties agreed on a payment of $1 500. Jimsen set between the two accused persons.

"During the course of the journey, the three detectives flashed their police identity cards to Jimsen and told him that he was under arrest for dealing in mbanje.

"They tried to handcuff him, but he resisted. He told them that the arrest was illegal since they were the ones who had initiated the deal and came to Mozambique," he said.

Mr Dhliwayo said the three detectives assaulted Jimsen saying they were trained to deal with people like him.

"One of the accused detectives pointed a pistol at Jimsen and threatened to kill him if he continued resisting the arrest. Jimsen was eventually arrested.

"They drove to Rimbi Business Centre. While they were on their way, the detectives searched Jimsen and took $600 which was in the pocket of the pair of shorts he was wearing.

"They arrived at D-Zone Bar at Rimbi at around 1140pm and the detectives told Jimsen to contact some relatives to assist him to raise the money they had demanded from him. Jimsen contacted Saute Ngezimani who assisted him with $1 300 which he gave to the accused persons," he said.

The court heard that they later drove to Checheche Growth Point.

"They proceeded to Checheche Growth Point where the three detectives ordered Jimsen to leave the car. He left the detectives in possession of the mbanje they had collected from him in Mozambique. The accused persons took away the two sacks of mbanje and the money. Jimsen made a police report at Chisumbanje Police Station leading to the arrest of the three," said Mr Dhliwayo.

The three detectives were remanded out of custody and were expected to appear in court for trial.