FIVE police officers on an illegal mining operation in
Shurugwi have been arrested for allegedly taking a US$300 bribe to release gold
ore, a Honda fit and a man suspected to have stolen gold ore from a mine they
were operating from.
Richmore Banga (41), Butholizwe Zhou (30), Fidelis
Chidavaenzi (32) all of police Support Unit Chikurubi in Harare and Alous
Chipato (36) and Decide Kabvudura (31) both of Support Unit Fairbridge in
Bulawayo appeared before Gweru Magistrate, Mr Edwin Marecha, facing charges of
criminal abuse of office.
Banga, Zhou, Chidavaenzi, Chipato and Kabvudura pleaded not
guilty to the charges.
They were remanded out of custody on $2000 bail to April 16
for trial.
Prosecutor, Ms Constance Madzudzu said Banga, Zhou and
Chidavaenzi reside at ZRP Chikurubi while Chipato and Kabvudura live at ZRP
Fairbridge and are all attached to police Support Unit.
The complainant is the State represented by Chief
Superintendent Tom Mandela who is currently attached to operation Chikorokoza
ngachipere in Shurugwi.
The court heard that on March 14, the five accused persons
were allegedly deployed at Show Mining claims and were under the command of
Chief Supt Mandela.
During the operation, they allegedly stopped a Honda fit
which was being driven by Patrick Maredza.
Chief Supt Mandela, the court heard, allegedly searched the
vehicle and together with the five accused persons observed that there were
small sacks containing gold ore which all weighed about 200kg and cash amounting
to $4001.
Ms Madzudzu said Chief Supt Mandela allegedly directed the
unit headed by Banga to escort the said vehicle to Show business centre as they
suspected that Maredza could have stolen the gold ore he was in possession of.
The impounded vehicle and the suspect were allegedly
escorted by Zhou, Chipato and Kabvundura from the point of arrest to Show
Business Centre.
On arrival at the business centre, Zhou allegedly briefed
Banga of a $10 000 bribe offer by the suspect.
Banga then allegedly instructed Zhou to facilitate the
release of the impounded vehicle and the suspect.
Ms Madzudzu said Banga directed the other accused persons
to collect the offered bribe money and release the vehicle and Maredza who paid
them US$300.
She told the court that upon arrival at ZRP Shurugwi police
station from the operation, Chief Supt Mandela asked Banga about the suspect
and the impounded vehicle.
Banga allegedly responded by texting him on his mobile
phone that the money for the Honda Fit was ready for him to collect.
Zhou allegedly handed over US$300 to Chidavaenzi to hand
over to Chief Supt Mandela.
The court heard that Chidavaenzi was summoned by Chief Supt
Enhia Muzvidziwa who recovered the money leading to the arrest of the officers.
The recovered gold ore, ZW$4001 and the vehicle were also
recovered. Chronicle
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