We were beaten in custody, cops tell court

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
TWO police officers from the Criminal Investigations Department in the Law and Order section facing allegations of fraudulently processing fingerprints for a Bindura-based security agent claim to have been assaulted by the police while in custody. Lovemore Mlambo (25) and Thethelela Mavinga (37) yesterdayappeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Milton Serima charged with criminal abuse of office.

The two were granted $20 bail each and ordered to report to CID Serious Fraud Squad every Friday.

Their lawyer Mr Tawanda Takaindisa lodged a complaint against the police, saying his clients were beaten while in custody.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on Tuesday Mlambo went to Morris Depot and deployed himself at the Josiah Chinamano Avenue entrance which leads to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters.

He met Zivanai Chagwambare who intended to have his niece’s fingerprints vetted. Instead of directing Chagwambare to the CID Headquarters, it is alleged Mlambo demanded $5 bribe.

Chagwambare allegedly gave Mlambo $10 for the processing of the fingerprints plus an extra $5.

Mlambo promised to give Chagwambare a receipt on collecting the documents at 2pm and also gave him his phone number.

Chagwambare alerted the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters.

Mlambo was arrested while handing over the forged fingerprints and was found in possession of $116 which he failed to account for.

Mlambo implicated Mavinga.