adminKhumbulani Mfisha
THREE police officers stationed at Odzi were recently hauled before a Mutare magistrate on allegations of stealing eight tonnes rice and fuel at an accident scene.
The trio – Leo Makoni (23), Webster Makonese (36) and Knight Kutambudza (26) – denied the charges when they appeared before Mr Poterai Gwezhira.
The State is alleging that instead of safeguarding the goods, they took advantage of the ensuing confusion following the haulage truck accident and looted the consignment and drained diesel.
A police Land Rover Defender truck was used to commit the crime.
Public prosecutor Mr Shepherd Chawarika told the court that the accused persons who are all employed as police officers residing at Odzi Camp attended a traffic accident that occurred on June 3, 2014.
“They attended a traffic accident which occurred at Riverside Bridge, when a haulage truck loaded with 30 tonnes of rice overturned. The accused persons used a police Defender truck to collect rice from the scene to one Bright Nhari’s house, who is also a police officer.
“They sold some of the looted rice to members of the public.
“The accused persons also drained 264 litres of diesel from the truck, 50 litres which they sold to Garikai Kasava for $20.
“On June 5, 2014 they went to Nhari’s residence where they collected two loads of rice. They hid the loot at an unknown place.
“All the looted property is worth $8 000 and nothing has been recovered,” said Mr Chawarika.
The trial continues on September 12, 2014.
Online Reporter