Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
DETECTIVE Kedha’s trial resumed yesterday after an adjournment on Friday when he broke down in court as he was testifying.
Detective Kedha, whose real name is Tafadzwa Chidawa, appeared before Chief Magistrate Vongai Guwuriro and was cross examined by prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawo.
Chidawa and his accomplices Paradza Passmore Matubu, Perseverance Chisango, Malvern Mutanda and Francis Takura are accused of stealing US$20 000 from Mutanda’s married lover at a lodge in the capital.
Chidawa was quizzed why he failed to give an alibi to show where he was on the day the crime was committed.
He was also asked to explain why his police identity card was found in Takura’s car which was allegedly used on the day in question.
Chidawa told the court that he was also surprised how the identity card had left the police station, where he had surrendered it upon resigning from the police force.
Takura also took to the stand and denied ever being at the lodge.
He told the court that the police linked him to the offence because he was the friend of Mutanda, who is currently on the run.
Takura is serving a 36-year jail term after being convicted of armed robbery and was issued with a warrant of arrest while he was in custody serving his term.
Due to time constraints, the matter was rolled over to tomorrow for continuation.
Chidawa broke down in court on Friday forcing the magistrate to adjourn proceedings.
He broke down into tears, prompting Chief Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro to adjourn the matter to today for continuation.
The court heard that Matanhire was in an adulterous relationship with Mutanda.
She was told by her lover that he was in possession of about US$100,000 soiled money, which needed some cleaning.
Mutanda said the cleaning process would require at least US$20,000 clean bills which should be mixed with soiled money and some chemicals.
The person who was to supply the US$20,000 would earn some interest or commission upon the successful completion of the process.
Acting on the misrepresentation, it is alleged that on August 27 2020, Matanhire advised Mutanda that she had managed to secure the US$20,000.
She went with Mutanda to Blue Ridge Lodge where they were going to clean the money.
She took the US$20,000 from her matrimonial home in Gen Lorne, Harare.
Unbeknown to her, Mutanda connived with Chidawa, Takura, Paradzai Passmore Matubu and Perseverance Chisango to steal from her.
