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Khumbulani Mfisha
A MAN from Penhalonga who faked to be a member of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee and arrested people in the area has landed himself in trouble after his cover was blown off.Romio Chanakira (27) recently appeared before Mutare magistrate Mrs Sekai Chiundura facing allegations of impersonating a police officer.
He is also facing charges of possessing mbanje after he was found with eight twists of the drug.
Public prosecutor Mr Raphael Madzorera told the court that the accused was arrested at Chakonda Farm by the same people whom he had arrested and threatened.
“At around 5pm on June 2, 2014, police received a call from one Samanga who said members of the public had arrested the accused who was taking money from tuck-shop owners pretending to be a member of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee.
“He had handcuffs, a police identity card and another national identity card belonging to someone. When he was searched he was found in possession of eight twists of dagga in the back pocket of his trousers,” said Mr Madzorera.
In his warned and cautioned statement, Chanakira said he got the dagga from one Patience Gowere whom he had arrested during the bogus patrol.
However, he is denying the charges saying the mbanje did not belong to him as it was produced at the station.
“I did not possess mbanje because it was suddenly produced when we were at the police station and not at the scene,” he said.
The trial continues on September 12, 2014.
Online Reporter