Policeman steals anti-riot gear, bullet proof vests

A POLICE officer stole bullet proof vests and material to make riot gear and stashed the loot at a colleague's place at another police station, a court has heard.

Tawanda Mahenyeri, 46, allegedly stole three complete riot jackets pieces, a back and a front panel for a riot jacket, four double rounds, four double bands for STU caps and some off-cuts from ZRP Bulawayo Tailors.

Bulawayo magistrate Charity Maphosa on Tuesday remanded Mahenyeri out of custody to July 6 on $50 bail.

Maphosa ordered Mahenyeri not to interfere with state witnesses.

Prosecuting, Wayne Chinembiri, said on May 11 this year at ZRP Bulawayo Tailors, an officer in charge identified as Nicholas Kamutiti tasked Mahenyeri with making a list of garment material that was in stock in preparation for an internal audit.

"Mahenyeri ascertained that all was in order although there was extra material which he then stole," said Chinembiri. The court heard that the matter came to light on May 23 when one Constable Dzingai of ZRP Fairbridge Tailors was found by the member in charge, Assistant Inspector Gokore in possession of the stolen material.

Cst Dzingai said he had been given the material by Mahenyeri for safekeeping.

"After Mahenyeri realised the material had been discovered at Fairbridge, he issued a voucher in retrospect," Chinembiri told the court.

The stolen property was worth $260 and everything was recovered.