News / National
3 ex-cops convicted for armed robbery
30 May 2024 at 08:40hrs | Views
Three police officers stationed at Beitbridge Rural Police Station have been found guilty of armed robbery after they allegedly stole a Prado vehicle from a man traveling to Harare. Admore Nyamaropa (30), Andrew Mangwenzi (35), and Prince Mugove Kuchekenya were convicted by Harare regional magistrate Estere Chivasa following a full trial, despite their denial of the charges. The case has been adjourned for sentencing.
According to the prosecution led by Heather Muwokoto, the incident occurred on April 17 last year when Timothy Murasiranwa was driving a vehicle to Harare, accompanied by his brother Leeroy Madzivire. Mangwenzi and Kuchekenya, armed with a gun, allegedly approached Murasiranwa after disembarking from a vehicle driven by Nyamaropa. Fleeing the scene, Murasiranwa left the Prado with its engine running but without the key in the ignition.
On May 1, detectives received a tip-off that Samuel Chiodze was driving a similar vehicle, leading to an investigation. It was revealed that Nyamaropa had informed Cosmas Konono on April 17, 2023, about the availability of the stolen Prado for sale.
During police interviews, Mangwenzi confessed to his involvement in the robbery alongside Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya. However, Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya claimed they encountered the vehicle while on patrol and intended to impound it for lacking proper documentation. They alleged that Mangwenzi, who was given the keys by Nyamaropa, drove the car to Harare without their knowledge.
Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya denied approaching Murasiranwa at the service station, stating they were only tasked with driving the vehicle to Beitbridge town police for inspection.
According to the prosecution led by Heather Muwokoto, the incident occurred on April 17 last year when Timothy Murasiranwa was driving a vehicle to Harare, accompanied by his brother Leeroy Madzivire. Mangwenzi and Kuchekenya, armed with a gun, allegedly approached Murasiranwa after disembarking from a vehicle driven by Nyamaropa. Fleeing the scene, Murasiranwa left the Prado with its engine running but without the key in the ignition.
During police interviews, Mangwenzi confessed to his involvement in the robbery alongside Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya. However, Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya claimed they encountered the vehicle while on patrol and intended to impound it for lacking proper documentation. They alleged that Mangwenzi, who was given the keys by Nyamaropa, drove the car to Harare without their knowledge.
Nyamaropa and Kuchekenya denied approaching Murasiranwa at the service station, stating they were only tasked with driving the vehicle to Beitbridge town police for inspection.
Source - newsday
