Police officers charged in theft of drought relief maize

ZIMSPHERE 

GUTU—Two police officers and four others appeared before the Gutu Magistrates' Court on charges of stealing maize designated for drought relief.

Admond Mavhangira (45) and Allen Hamandishe (32), both officers stationed at ZRP Basera, were arraigned along with Calvin Munhamo (38), Daniel Charungwa (45), Costa Fire (29), and Shepherd Masundidzire (49), a driver employed by Madzingo Transporters.

According to the State's allegations, on June 13, 2024, at approximately 1600 hours, Hamandishe was tasked with escorting a truck carrying 370 x 50kg bags of maize to ZRP Basera Police Camp for safekeeping. 

The consignment was intended for drought relief.

Masundidzire, acting as the truck driver, parked the vehicle at Basera Police Camp at 1900 hours. 

Later, the six accused allegedly conspired to steal a portion of the maize.

The State claims that three of the accused returned around 2130 hours, drove the truck to Chimombe Clinic, and picked up Munhamo, Charungwa, and Fire along the way. 

At the clinic, they offloaded 170 x 50kg bags of maize.

The theft came to light during the distribution of the maize. Investigations led to the arrest of the accused individuals. 

The total value of the stolen maize is estimated at $3,646.

The accused were denied bail on Friday and are scheduled to reappear in court on August 1, 2024.