News / National
Ex-detective stole 30,000 rounds of ammunition?
16 Oct 2014 at 07:43hrs | Views
A Harare magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest to former police Detective Assistant inspector Ananias Machingura (40) after he failed to appear in court yesterday to answer charges of stealing more than 30 000 rounds of ammunition.
Machingura and his alleged accomplices, Detective constable Vengesai Hakunandaba (47) and Assistant inspector Brian Marufu (39) are charged with theft of the ammo from ZRP Morris depot National Armoury, and supplying the same to Woncai Huo, a Chinese national. The trio is out of custody on $100 bail each, granted early this year by magistrate Tendai Mahwe.
Prosecutor Fransisca Mukumbiri told the magistrate that police detectives were tracking Machingura, and expect to apprehend the accused person soon. She successfully filed an application of postponement of the matter to October 30.
The defence lawyer for Hakunandaba and Marufu subsequently gave notice to apply for refusal of further remand if the state fails to provide the trial date by November 6.
Tina Kadhau told the magistrate that it was in the best interest of justice for her clients to be afforded trial within a reasonable time frame.
According to the state, the alleged theft transpired at an unknown date, but during the period between 2007 and July 22 this year.
The trio, working in connivance, allegedly stole over 33 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres on separate occasions, and in the process selling the 'loot' to Huo.
Acting on information received from anonymous informants, police officers arrested the trio in connection with the offence.
Machingura and his alleged accomplices, Detective constable Vengesai Hakunandaba (47) and Assistant inspector Brian Marufu (39) are charged with theft of the ammo from ZRP Morris depot National Armoury, and supplying the same to Woncai Huo, a Chinese national. The trio is out of custody on $100 bail each, granted early this year by magistrate Tendai Mahwe.
Prosecutor Fransisca Mukumbiri told the magistrate that police detectives were tracking Machingura, and expect to apprehend the accused person soon. She successfully filed an application of postponement of the matter to October 30.
The defence lawyer for Hakunandaba and Marufu subsequently gave notice to apply for refusal of further remand if the state fails to provide the trial date by November 6.
According to the state, the alleged theft transpired at an unknown date, but during the period between 2007 and July 22 this year.
The trio, working in connivance, allegedly stole over 33 000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres on separate occasions, and in the process selling the 'loot' to Huo.
Acting on information received from anonymous informants, police officers arrested the trio in connection with the offence.
Source - Zim Mail
