Soldieraccused of stealing own phone at Harare Cen...

Soldieraccused of stealing own phone at Harare Central Police Station

Munyaradzi Mashiri

Zim Now Court Correspondent

A soldier accused of stealing money and phones at Harare Central Police Station appeared in court on charges of theft of trust property.

Takunda Matare, 23, was brought before Magistrate Sharon Rakafa at the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

He was granted US$150 bail and is scheduled to return to court on January 16.

Matare, a soldier in the Zimbabwe National Army residing in Waterfalls, Harare, is accused of stealing US$440 and three phones, including his own, from the police property room.

According to the State, represented by Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu, the alleged theft occurred on December 10, when Matare, detained at Harare Central Police Station, exploited a chaotic moment during the transfer of prisoners. It is alleged that he sneaked into the property room via a broken roof and stole the items.

Police officer Wisdom Takudzwa Ndemera, the complainant, reportedly discovered the theft when he found bags scattered on the floor with their contents missing.

A search of all prisoners was conducted, during which Matare was found in possession of US$395 and one of the stolen phones, hidden in his undergarments.

Matare, who had initially declared he had no money on him, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the recovered cash. However, US$45 and the remaining phones were not recovered.

The matter is under investigation, with further proceedings set for January.