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Crime Reporter
Assistant Commissioner Gideon Baloyi who was on Monday cleared of corruptly facilitating the release of a fraud suspect by the High Court, yesterday applauded the country’s Judiciary for its transparency and efficiency.
Asst Comm Baloyi was last year jailed nine months, but successfully appealed against his imprisonment.
In an interview yesterday, Asst Comm Baloyi said he was ready to carry on with his duties.
“I thank God and I am more than happy with the outcome of the High Court. It is one thing to be arrested and incarcerated but the freedom I got (Monday) reflects the transparency and efficiency we have in the judiciary system of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Asst Comm Baloyi said he never committed the offence as was alleged and took a swipe at some senior police officers he accused of manipulating the lower courts to cause his imprisonment.
“I was shocked when the charges were levelled against me that I conducted my duties in an improper manner. The command at the Police General Headquarters was aware that I did not commit any crime,” Asst Comm Baloyi said.
“I am going back to work because I want to serve my Government and the people of Zimbabwe who still need my perfect services.”
On Monday, Justice Francis Bere, sitting with Justice Charles Hungwe, found Asst Comm Baloyi not guilty of putting the name of the police into disrepute.
This followed an appeal by Asst Comm Baloyi’s lawyer, Mr Misheck Hogwe, of Hogwe Dzimirai and Partners.
Justice Bere said there was no credible evidence confirming that Asst Comm Baloyi interfered with the case.
Asst Comm Baloyi — who was a staff officer at the Police General Headquarters in Harare — was jailed by magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo on allegations of protecting Nevermind Kufakunesu.
Kufakunesu was facing charges of swindling a local businessman, Mr Batsirayi Mupindu, of chickens worth US$21 000.
Kufakunesu disappeared when he was released and detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department Fraud Squad had challenges locating him.
Online Reporter