Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
A 21-YEAR-OLD Lupane cop has been caught red-handed hiding dagga he was supposed to submit as evidence, turning a routine drug bust into a scandal.
Nqobile Mutale, a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Constabulary, was convicted by the Lupane Magistrates’ Court after admitting he tampered with evidence in a drug case.
On 18 September, Mutale arrested Thulani Sibanda for unlawful possession of dagga after getting a tip-off. Instead of fully processing the recovered drugs, Mutale allegedly struck a shady deal with Sibanda to hide part of the stash behind the police base.
But his plan went up in smoke when detectives launched a follow-up investigation and Mutale cracked under pressure, leading them straight to the concealed dagga.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said his actions tarnished the police service’s fight against drugs.
“He pleaded guilty to obstructing the course of justice,” read the statement.
The court handed Mutale a 24-month jail term, suspending nine months. The remaining 15 months were also suspended on condition he completes 525 hours of community service.
The NPAZ has warned law enforcement officers against undermining justice.
derick.khumalo