adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A PLUMTREE magistrate has issued a warrant of arrest for a local traffic cop who failed to turn up for trial at court yesterday for allegedly stealing roadblock fines. Clacious Chatikobo’s trial was supposed to kick off yesterday at the Plumtree magistrate’s court after he pleaded not guilty to stealing $205 and R640 in State funds which he collected while performing police duties.
The State said Chatikobo (26) had not communicated to explain his absence and appealed for the warrant of arrest to be issued. Plumtree magistrate, Mr Livard Philemon issued the arrest warrant. Chatikobo is alleged to have collected $205 and R640 at police roadblocks but did not hand over the money.
Prosecuting, Mrs Rose Sibanda said the crime came to light after the Officer in Charge of Plumtree Traffic Police section carried out an audit of the station retention books.
“On a date unknown but during the period extending from 18 February to 15 March Chatikobo together with Constable Garikai Manyera were deployed at the Plumtree Vehicle Inspection Depot to carry out vehicle inspection duties and they were issued with retention books where they were supposed to receipt money which they collected,” she said.
Mrs Sibanda said on May 5 the Officer in Charge, Inspector Takaidza Julius carried out an audit of the station retention books and discovered that some of the charge sheets that Chatikobo and his colleague had used were missing.
Mrs Sibanda said an investigation was later carried out. “The investigation later revealed that Chatikobo had converted the money to his personal use. On 7 May Chatikobo brought from his home some copies of the missing charge sheets and surrendered them at the station.
“On 8 May he paid $200 and on 9 May paid another $5 and R640 as re-imbursement for the misappropriated funds resulting in his immediate arrest,” she said.
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