Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
FOUR elite Bulawayo homicide detectives—Wellington Masuna, Kuziwa Dennis Zambuko, Fakazi Swati, and Clemence Mbofana—are set to face trial on April 17 in a blockbuster corruption case that exposes an alleged rotten police plot to steal US$23 700 from a gold miner’s family! Explosive court documents reveal the squad abused their badges to carry out an illegal sting outside their jurisdiction, ambushing a suspect, raiding his mother’s home, and swiping cash meant to recover “stolen” gold ore.
The bombshell saga, according to the documents, began on 7 October last year, when artisanal miner Lista Chipuriro—based at Nugget Mine, Matopos—reportedly enlisted the detectives to recover gold nuggets allegedly stolen by complainant Petros Daki. But the quartet knew the case fell under ZRP Matopos and CID Minerals Fauna and Flora Unit in Plumtree—NOT their homicide unit! Ignoring protocol, they hijacked a police vehicle, intercepted Daki at Cecil Hotel in Bulawayo, and dragged him, driver Shepherd Nyoni, and associate Costa Mathe to a house in Pumula South suburb. There, they stormed the home of Daki’s mother, Thenjiwe Dube, and confiscated US$23,700—cash from gold ore sales.
Allegedly, the cops later handed Daki just US$7 800, pocketing US$15 900 for themselves! But the crime spree didn’t stop—they impounded Daki’s Toyota Bubble, bought with gold profits, and stashed it as “evidence.”
Enter the cover-up: On 24 October 2024, three armed colleagues—Muchingami, Mugabe, and Katazo—reportedly stormed Bulawayo Central Police Station, waving service pistols to free the handcuffed suspects! Court papers allege they violently removed cuffs, sparking a cop-vs-cop showdown and a fresh obstruction of justice case (CR 402/10/24).
The State is FUMING, slamming the accused for “betraying their badges” and “jeopardizing the justice system.” Prosecutors warn the suspects could sabotage investigations if granted bail, citing their brazen defiance during detention.
