Cops launch manhunt for ex-cop

HARARE - Police have launched a manhunt for a former senior police officer who allegedly stole more than 30 000 rounds of ammunition for different rifles and pistols from the Zimbabwe Republic Police's national armoury.

Former Detective Assistant Inspector Ananias Machingura (40) is said to be on the run after he was granted bail by the court. Machingura, who is jointly charged with Detective Constable Vengesai Hakunandaba (47) and Assistant Inspector Brian Marufu (39) failed to turn up for trial two weeks ago, prompting magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe to issue a warrant for his arrest.

The matter had been postponed to today for commencement of trial, but Machingura was in no show while his accomplices were in attendance. Prosecutor, Ms Francesca Mukumbiri, sought a postponement of the matter arguing that they could not proceed to trial in the absence of Machingura.

She told the court that police were busy hunting him.

The trio's lawyer, Tina Kadhau of Nyikadzino Simango and Associates, consented to the postponement but notified the court of her intentions to make an application for refusal of further remand if the State fails to proceed to trial by November 6.

She said the State should, alternatively, make an application for separation of trial, arguing that no one knew when Machingura would be arrested and arraigned before the courts. Mr Mahwe remanded the matter to October 30.

Meanwhile, five police officers attached to National Highway Patrol yesterday appeared in court on allegations of fraud and forgery.
Sergeants Willie Nyameni (38), Rumbidzai Chahwanda (34) and Constables Paidamoyo Chipinda (26), Tongai Moyo (32) and Tatenda Mudyiwa (31) collected spot fines from motorists, but did not issue receipts.

Their luck ran out after they ordered a Swaziland police delegation that was in the country for a workshop to pay R100 for speeding. The delegation was not issued with a receipt prompting them to make a complaint at the National Highway Patrol headquarters in Harare.

The five, who were deployed along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, were then ordered to surrender the receipt books and it was discovered that receipts issued to some motorists did not tally with the copies.

Magistrate Milton Serima granted them US$100 bail each and remanded them to October 28.