News / National
Two cops on the run after kidnapping pastor
15 Mar 2012 at 23:02hrs | Views
TWO policemen allegedly kidnapped a pastor for over 24 hours in Kadoma and extorted US$520 from him. The policemen accused Pastor David Mhaza (38) of trying to "defeat the course of justice".
Constables Washington Coffee (26) and Madzivanzira, who were based at Chitungwiza Police Station, were reported to be on the run.
They are wanted on allegations of kidnapping Pastor Mhaza of Flaming Sword Ministries in Rimuka.
Sources close to investigations said on February 22, the two approached a taxi driver Davison Mwashita (32) in Zengeza and hired him to Kadoma. They claimed they wanted to arrest an "accused person".
They were masquerading as detectives from Harare. Mwashita who has since been arrested asked a friend to accompany him to Kadoma with Coffee and Madzivanzira. The policemen were not in uniform. They approached Pastor Mhaza who was in town and ordered him to get into the taxi before Coffee identified himself as Detective Sergeant Chitura from Harare. It is alleged that the two accused the pastor of "defeating the course of justice" and told him to pay US$500 to secure his release.
Pastor Mhaza asked his wife to bring US$100, which he gave to the two policemen.
The taxi driver was later ordered to drive to a service station in the town where Pastor Mhaza was ordered to pay for the fuel and he paid US$20 before they drove to Norton.
They all slept in the car and the following morning the pastor phoned his wife ordering her to bring US$400.
She went to Norton with the money and Pastor Mhaza was released before they made a report in Kadoma.
Investigations led to the arrest of Mwashita. His vehicle, a Toyota Spacio was impounded last week.
According to police, Coffee and Madzivanzira are on the run.
Of late several police officers have been arrested on allegations of extortion, bribery and abuse of office.
Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has been on record saying the force will not hesitate to discharge from duty any rotten apples within its rank and file.
Last month, five policemen appeared in court accused of kidnapping businessman Mr Jerry Okeke on February 4 this year.
Constables Washington Coffee (26) and Madzivanzira, who were based at Chitungwiza Police Station, were reported to be on the run.
They are wanted on allegations of kidnapping Pastor Mhaza of Flaming Sword Ministries in Rimuka.
Sources close to investigations said on February 22, the two approached a taxi driver Davison Mwashita (32) in Zengeza and hired him to Kadoma. They claimed they wanted to arrest an "accused person".
They were masquerading as detectives from Harare. Mwashita who has since been arrested asked a friend to accompany him to Kadoma with Coffee and Madzivanzira. The policemen were not in uniform. They approached Pastor Mhaza who was in town and ordered him to get into the taxi before Coffee identified himself as Detective Sergeant Chitura from Harare. It is alleged that the two accused the pastor of "defeating the course of justice" and told him to pay US$500 to secure his release.
Pastor Mhaza asked his wife to bring US$100, which he gave to the two policemen.
The taxi driver was later ordered to drive to a service station in the town where Pastor Mhaza was ordered to pay for the fuel and he paid US$20 before they drove to Norton.
They all slept in the car and the following morning the pastor phoned his wife ordering her to bring US$400.
She went to Norton with the money and Pastor Mhaza was released before they made a report in Kadoma.
Investigations led to the arrest of Mwashita. His vehicle, a Toyota Spacio was impounded last week.
According to police, Coffee and Madzivanzira are on the run.
Of late several police officers have been arrested on allegations of extortion, bribery and abuse of office.
Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri has been on record saying the force will not hesitate to discharge from duty any rotten apples within its rank and file.
Last month, five policemen appeared in court accused of kidnapping businessman Mr Jerry Okeke on February 4 this year.
Source - TH
