Bail for jailed cops

Four of the seven police detectives from the homicide unit who were recently arrested on charges of theft and criminal abuse of office have been granted bail by the Bulawayo High Court.

Justice Ngoni Nduna released Wellington Masuna, Kuziwa Dennis Zambuko, Fakazi Swati, and Clemence Mbofana on US$200 bail pending trial. The quartet's release follows a similar decision for three of their accomplices last week.
Bail Conditions

As part of their bail conditions, the four detectives were ordered not to interfere with witnesses, to reside at their given addresses, and to report to the Bulawayo Central Police Station once a week. Their trial is scheduled to begin on December 18, 2024.

The detectives are being represented by Mr. Goodluck Katanaire from Mutuso, Taruvinga and Mhiribidi Attorneys. The other three co-accused, who are represented by Mr. Prince Butshe Dube of Mathonsi Ncube Law Chambers, were also granted bail on similar conditions.

Allegations of Theft and Obstruction
The seven detectives were arrested after allegedly using state resources to conduct an illegal operation. They are accused of theft, criminal abuse of office, and obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, the detectives, led by Zambuko, were contacted by an artisanal miner, Lista Chipuriro, to recover stolen gold ore and nuggets from Petros Daki, the complainant. The detectives are alleged to have unlawfully conducted investigations outside their jurisdiction and confiscated US$15,900 from the complainant.

The accused officers reportedly used a police vehicle to intercept the complainant and his associates at Cecil Hotel in Bulawayo. They then took them to a house in Pumula South, where they recovered cash amounting to US$23,700 from the complainant's mother.

The detectives are alleged to have retained the US$15,900 for personal use while handing over US$7,800 to Daki, as if it were the recovered amount.

Later, the detectives impounded Daki's vehicle, which he had purchased using proceeds from the allegedly stolen gold. They also reportedly recovered another US$2,000 from Daki's wife.

Court records indicate that when the detectives were taken to the police station by other officers, they attempted to hinder their detention, allegedly using service pistols and forcibly removing their handcuffs.
State's Opposition to Bail

The State had opposed the bail application, arguing that the accused might abscond or interfere with investigations. The prosecution cited an incident at the Bulawayo Central Police Station, where the accused removed their handcuffs without authorization and refused to cooperate with investigators.

Despite the State's opposition, the court granted bail, with Justice Nduna ruling that the accused should stand trial for the serious charges they face.
Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the activities of the detectives is ongoing, with further scrutiny of their actions and involvement in the illegal operation. The case has drawn attention to police corruption and abuse of office, raising concerns about accountability within law enforcement.

As the detectives await trial, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for their careers and for public trust in the police force.