Prison officers arrested over $51,000 heist

THREE prison officers based at Khami Prison Complex have been arrested for allegedly stealing about $51,000 from the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) canteen.

A fourth officer is allegedly on the run.

The four allegedly siphoned the cash from the canteen where they were responsible for buying and selling of goods over a period of one year.

Sources from the prison identified the four as Alwerd Smuskwe, 43, Stanley Mashingaidze, 35, Edward Tabarira, 38, and Edson Manjekwa who is on the run.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango could not be reached for comment.

Sources close to the investigation said yesterday that the three suspects were detained at Pumula Police Station.

"The quartet was employed in the prison's canteen. They were responsible for buying goods for resale. Between January and December last year, they performed several fraudulent activities where they would not remit profits," said the source.

The source said one of prison officers even diverted $840 which was meant for salaries for general workers to his personal use.

"They were exposed following an audit report by the ZPCS in December. The audit revealed that they could have defrauded ZPCS of about $51,000," said the source.

ZPCS regional public relations officer for Matabeleland, principal prison officer Garainashe Moyo said: "As you say, the issue is under police investigation so I can't say much."