Detective Kedha's money cleaning case continues to...

Detective Kedha's money cleaning case continues to spin drama

Zim Now Writer

The trial of former detective Tafadzwa Chidawa (alias Detective Kedha) took a dramatic turn this week, with the ex-officer breaking down in tears on the stand and facing intense questioning about his police identification card found in a suspect's vehicle. Chidawa, along with four alleged accomplices, is accused of stealing US$20,000 from a woman at a local lodge in 2020.

The case centers around a complex scheme involving a supposed money-cleaning operation. The complainant, identified as Ms. Matanhire, was allegedly in an adulterous relationship with one of the accused, Malvern Mutanda, who remains at large. Mutanda reportedly told Matanhire he possessed US$100,000 in soiled money requiring a special cleaning process. This process, he claimed, necessitated US$20,000 in clean bills to be mixed with the soiled currency and special chemicals. Matanhire, believing she would earn a commission, procured the US$20,000 from her marital home and met Mutanda at Blue Ridge Lodge on August 27, 2020, for the supposed cleaning. Unbeknownst to her, Mutanda had allegedly conspired with Chidawa, Francis Takura, Paradza Passmore Matubu, and Perseverance Chisango to steal the money.

During cross-examination by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo, Chidawa struggled to explain his whereabouts on the day of the alleged crime. The questioning intensified when the prosecutor brought up the issue of Chidawa’s old police ID, which was discovered in Takura's car, the same vehicle allegedly used in the heist. Chidawa claimed he had surrendered the ID card to the police station upon his resignation from the force and expressed surprise at its reappearance in Takura's possession.

Takura, currently serving a 36-year sentence for armed robbery, also testified. He denied any involvement in the lodge incident, suggesting he was implicated solely due to his friendship with the fugitive Mutanda. A warrant of arrest was issued for Takura while he was already in custody.

The trial has been marked by emotional outbursts. Chidawa’s courtroom breakdown on Friday, which saw him weeping uncontrollably, forced Chief Magistrate Vongai Guwuriro to adjourn proceedings. The emotional display raised questions about the pressure surrounding the case and Chidawa’s testimony.

The trial is set to continue, with more testimony expected and crucial questions remaining unanswered. How Chidawa’s ID card ended up in Takura’s car, and Chidawa’s alibi for the day of the alleged crime, are key points that could determine the outcome of the case. The fact that Mutanda, the alleged mastermind behind the scheme, is still at large adds another layer of complexity to the proceedings.