News / National
Detective arrested for stealing 33kg mbanje
20 May 2013 at 22:16hrs | Views
A detective has been arrested on allegations of stealing 33 kilogrammes of mbanje with a street value of US$3 300 which was part of a consignment being taken to court as an exhibit.
Detective Constable Shadreck Chingoma Mutota (54), who is stationed at CID studios in Harare as a photographer, yesterday appeared before Mr Donald Ndirowei who granted him US$100 bail.
Mutota, who is being represented by Mr Everson Chatambudza, was remanded to May 22 for trial.
Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira alleged that on May 15 the exhibit officer released Exhibit Number 33/13 comprising of 21 bags of mbanje stashed in 90kg sacks, one 50kg sack and three carrier bags from the exhibit room in transit to court.
It is alleged that the exhibit officer ordered general hand workers at Harare Central police station to assist CID Drugs detectives to carry the sacks to a police vehicle that was parked in the yard that would take the exhibit to Harare Magistrates' Court.
It is the State's case that Mutota joined in without being invited and carried two sacks on different occasions.
The court heard that he took one of the sacks to the vehicle before stealing the other sack.
It was later discovered that one sack was missing and investigations were launched.
Two detectives proceeded to CID studios where a search was conducted in Mutota's office and a sack was recovered in a built-in cupboard covered with his dust coat.
Detective Sergeant Chinhamu, who had seen Mutota with the sack, allegedly confirmed that Mutota brought the sack into his office and told them he had been given the sack by Chief Superintendent Mukazhi of CID Drugs.
He was later arrested when he returned to the office and during the time of arrest, he apologised for possessing the dagga. It is alleged he also called Chief Supt Mukazhi and apologised for lying using his name.
Detective Constable Shadreck Chingoma Mutota (54), who is stationed at CID studios in Harare as a photographer, yesterday appeared before Mr Donald Ndirowei who granted him US$100 bail.
Mutota, who is being represented by Mr Everson Chatambudza, was remanded to May 22 for trial.
Prosecutor Mr Tungamirai Chakurira alleged that on May 15 the exhibit officer released Exhibit Number 33/13 comprising of 21 bags of mbanje stashed in 90kg sacks, one 50kg sack and three carrier bags from the exhibit room in transit to court.
It is alleged that the exhibit officer ordered general hand workers at Harare Central police station to assist CID Drugs detectives to carry the sacks to a police vehicle that was parked in the yard that would take the exhibit to Harare Magistrates' Court.
It is the State's case that Mutota joined in without being invited and carried two sacks on different occasions.
The court heard that he took one of the sacks to the vehicle before stealing the other sack.
It was later discovered that one sack was missing and investigations were launched.
Two detectives proceeded to CID studios where a search was conducted in Mutota's office and a sack was recovered in a built-in cupboard covered with his dust coat.
Detective Sergeant Chinhamu, who had seen Mutota with the sack, allegedly confirmed that Mutota brought the sack into his office and told them he had been given the sack by Chief Superintendent Mukazhi of CID Drugs.
He was later arrested when he returned to the office and during the time of arrest, he apologised for possessing the dagga. It is alleged he also called Chief Supt Mukazhi and apologised for lying using his name.
Source - Herald
