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Sinokubonga Nkala, [email protected]

TWO police officers in Masvingo have been arrested alongside four other people for allegedly stealing 8.5 tonnes of maize meant for drought relief.

The grain is valued at US$3 646.

The National Prosecuting authority of Zimbabwe in a statement on X, said: ” Admond Mavhangira (45) and Allen Hamandishe (32) who are both police officers stationed at ZRP Basera, together with Calvin Munhamo (38), Daniel Charungwa (45), Costa Fire (29) and Shepherd Masundidzire (49) who is employed by Madzingo Transporters as a driver were arraigned before the Gutu Magistrates’ Court on allegations of theft.

” On the 13th of June 2024 at around 1600 hours at Alheit Business Centre, Basera the second accused person was charged with the duty of escorting a truck carrying 370 x 50kg of maize to ZRP Basera Police Camp for safe keeping. The consignment was meant for drought relief. Shepherd Masundidzire, the sixth accused drove the truck and parked it at Basera Police Camp at 1900 hours.

“Afterwards the six accused persons allegedly hatched a plan to steal part of the consignment. It is the State’s case that three of the accused persons returned at around 2130 hours and drove the truck to Chimombe Clinic. They picked the third, fourth and fifth accused persons along the way to the clinic where they offloaded 170 x 50kg of maize. The matter came to light when the maize was being distributed.”

Bail was refused, and the accused will be held until their next court date on August 1, 2024.