Mathew Masinge
Arron Nyamayaro
A SENIOR police officer was arrested on Monday following a high-speed chase for unlawful possession of illicit drugs valued at US$19,000 in Masvingo.
Inspector Pikirai Dade Hakata, 53, who oversees operations in the Mbare district, was arrested alongside his accomplice, 31-year-old Ringisai Mapirwe, a known drug dealer from Dzivarasekwa.
The incident unfolded when Insp. Hakata, driving a silver Toyota Aqua registered under Oliver Musekiwa of Harare, attempted to evade a police checkpoint on the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road.
He was ultimately intercepted within five kilometers of the checkpoint after a brief pursuit.
Upon returning to the checkpoint, officers conducted a thorough search of the vehicle and discovered 83 cobs of dagga concealed in the car’s trunk and back seat, cleverly wrapped in brown cello tape and covered with a blanket.
Both Inspector Hakata and Mapirwe were taken to the Masvingo Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for Drugs and Narcotics, where they are now facing serious charges as investigations continue.
Online Reporter