'Cop robs, dumps two women in bush'

A PLUMTREE-based police officer appeared in court for allegedly robbing his two passengers of $150 and groceries before dumping them in a bush along the Bulawayo-Gwanda road.

Harman Mutero (39) of Habane Extension in Esigodini and stationed at Sun Yet Sen Police Station allegedly robbed Ms Hlengiwe Ngwenya (55) and her daughter-in-law, Ms Buhle Mahlangu whose age was not given, after offering them a lift to Sipezini.

Mutero appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya facing a robbery charge.

Mr Tashaya remanded him out of custody to December 8 on $50 bail pending trial.

Prosecuting, Nkathazo Dlodlo said on November 1 this year shortly after 5PM, Mutero spotted Ms Ngwenya and her daughter-in-law at a hiking spot near Mac's Garage in Bulawayo. The two women were waiting for transport to Sipezini.

Mutero offered them a lift in his car, a Honda Fit, which was destined for Gwanda.

The court heard that along the way, on approaching Umguza Bridge, Mutero received a phone call. He then diverted from his route and took a dusty road saying he wanted to see a client.

After driving for a few kilometres, Mutero stopped the car and forcibly pushed the two passengers out of his car.

"Accused took the complainants' handbags containing $150 and reading glasses and groceries and sped off leaving them stranded," said Mr Dlodlo.

The two complainants reported the matter to police leading to the cop's arrest.

In his warned and cautioned statement, Mutero denied the charges, saying on that particular day, he did not carry anyone in his car.

He also stated that he did not know the complainants.