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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
TWO Chiredzi men were arrested for diverting and selling fertiliser that was being distributed under the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme.
The duo, Denis Mapfumo (41) of West Road and Taurai Takaingofa of Makondo Extension, both in Chiredzi recently appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi facing charges of contravening Section 6 (a) of Agriculture Marketing Authority (2017), Chapter 18:27 (unlawfully sale, purchase and possession of agricultural inputs and contract inputs).
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded out of custody after paying $5 000 bail each.
The matter will be back in court on March 10 for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Thulani Zondwayo said on February 24, Mapfumo and Takaingofa loaded 121×50 bags of fertiliser into their truck in Chiredzi and proceeded to Mahusani Business Centre in Chimanimani to sell it.
“On the same date, law enforcement agents received a tip-off that there were people selling fertiliser believed to have been stolen from the Presidential Agricultural Inputs Scheme at Mahusani Business Centre.
“Reacting to the tip-off, the law enforcement agents went to the place where Mapfumo and Takaingofa were selling the fertiliser from their FAW truck.
“They were arrested, leading to the recovery of 3x50kg of Urea fertiliser from villagers who had bought it,” said Mr Zondwayo.
Police seized the truck and fertiliser.
Online Reporter