adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A PLUMTREE magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest against a senior police officer who failed to turn up at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court yesterday to testify in a smuggling case.
Assistant Inspector Costa Matigwene, who is stationed at Police General Headquarters Intelligence Directorate in Harare, was recently ordered by magistrate Gideon Ruvetsa to testify as a State witness.
Prosecutors said Ass Insp Matigwene had not communicated to explain his no show and the magistrate ordered that he be arrested before remanding the smuggling case to April 27.
Matigwene is a key witness in a matter involving a Botswana national, Clement Sindisa Willie, 27, and a Zimbabwean, Itai Chivhunga, 32, who are facing a charge of smuggling 2,750 litres of fuel from Botswana into Zimbabwe.
The pair is being represented by Prince Butshe of Mcijo, Dube and Partners. Matigwene is one of the police officers who intercepted the two alleged smugglers at the Plumtree Border Post.
Prosecuting, Stanley Chinyanganya said Willie and Chivhunga tried to smuggle the fuel into the country on February 11 but were arrested as they left the border complex.
“On February 11 around 11PM, police officers were on duty at the border when they observed a Botswana registered motor vehicle going through the entry gate without being stopped.
“The cops followed the vehicle along the Plumtree-Bulawayo Road and stopped it after it had travelled for about four kilometres.
“They found Willie alone in the car,” he said.
Chinyanganya said a search was conducted and police discovered 2,750 litres of petrol which was stored in several plastic containers.
Online Reporter