happiness ChikwanhaZvikomborero Parafini
FOUR cops appeared in court facing allegations of criminal abuse of duty and extortion charges.
The quartet allegedly extorted one of the directors of a major lithium company.
Gracious Mhlanga, Martin Chirava, George Chagweda and Augastino Mudzingwa, all stationed at CID Minerals Fauna and Flora Unit, appeared before Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje.
They were all released on $100 000 bail and ordered not to interfere with investigations. They were also ordered to report twice a week at their nearest police stations.
Allegations are that on January 4, the rogue cops devised a plan to extort money from Shengiang Investments Private Limited directors.
It is alleged that they approached the company director, Terrence Ncube, and demanded to check all company documents, including relevant mining licences.
After analysing the books and records, the four allegedly claimed that the company was buying lithium from illegal miners and that the company was also illegally exporting the mineral ore.
The State alleged that the policemen took all the company’s books and threatened to shut it down.
The State said Detective Sergeant Chagweda demanded US$14 000 for the release of the books or risk company closure.
The cops allegedly told Ncube that they had been sent by their officer-in-charge and the money would also cater for the commanding officer.
Out of fear, the directors raised US$7 000 and handed over the money to Detective Sergeant Mudzingwa, and the company’s books were released.
The police officers acknowledged visiting the scene and wrote their names in the company’s visitors book and it was signed by all the directors as proof that the money was given to them.
Nothing was recovered.
Kennedy Madekutsikwa appeared for the State.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter