Three cops, in court for theft

Michael Mashiri

Three people believed to be police officers, have been arraigned to the Harare Magistrates’ Courts charged with theft.

Masimba Kunyongana, 31, of Mabvuku, Abigail Muchero, 37, of Waterfalls and Kelvin Muchengo, 29 appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi facing allegations of theft.

The State alleges that on July 11, 2023 around 2030 hours, Muchero, Kunyongana, Machengo and another one went to Edward Joseph at his workplace at OK Mufakose Shopping Centre, Harare.

The State, alleges that Muchero identified herself and others as police officers.

Muchero showed her police identity card to the complainant and told him that they had arrested him for selling liquor without a liquor licence.

Kunyongana then took complainant's whiskey worth US$50.

The accused person, who is still at large, entered the complainant's car and ordered the complainant to drive to Harare Central Police Station.

Kelvin Machengo followed them driving a Ford Ranger.

When they arrived at Corner Julius Nyerere and Robson Manyika, the complainant was ordered to stop the car and Muchengo signalled Kunyongana, who snatched Joseph’s bag that had US$650 and the other one, who is still at large, came out of the car.

After the incident, Machengo and Muchero drove away from Harare Central Police station to an unknown destination.

As a result, the value of US$700 was stolen.

Mangosi ordered each of the three to deposit US$100, not to interfere with witnesses and to report every Friday to the nearest police station.

They will appear in court on September 12 for their routine remand pending trial.