‘Corrupt’ cop in court

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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A GWANDA cop has been arrested for demanding money from villagers who were seeking police services and failing to hand back a civilian’s vehicle which he was using without authorisation.

Constable Willard Magazini (25), who is stationed at ZRP Gwanda Rural, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mr Obedience Matare facing charges of criminal abuse of duty and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was remanded out of custody to December 19.

Prosecuting, Mr Takudzwa Mafudze said sometime in August, Magazini demanded $10 from two villagers who went to the police base seeking police services.

“Sometime in August, Mr Mthokozisi Moyo and his wife approached their village head seeking clarity over a dispute on ownership of goats. The village head convened a village court to resolve the matter to no avail. The village head then referred the matter to the police station.

“Mr Moyo and seven other villagers who were part of the dispute proceeded to Nkwidze police base. They found Constable Willard Magazini manning the police base and they narrated their issue,” he said.

Mr Mafudze said Magazini attended to them and told the villagers that he would decide on how to share the goats in question.

He said Magazini demanded $10 from two of the villagers as transport money to travel to their community and supervise the process of sharing the goats.

Mr Mafudze said Magazini converted the money to his own use but did not turn up at the village.

On the second count, Mr Mafudze said in August, Magazini approached Mr Sinini Ndlovu of Magedleni Village in Gwanda and inquired if he was selling his car.

“Mr Ndlovu pointed out that the car was for sale and Magazini requested to take it for a road test. He also requested to take the vehicle to Garanyemba as part of the road test.

“Magazini, however, proceeded to Beitbridge with the car without Mr Ndlovu’s consent. Mr Ndlovu made a follow up with Magazini after his return from Beitbridge in a bid to recover his car. Magazini, however, indicated that he had left the vehicle in Beitbridge,” he said.

Mr Mafudze said Magazini failed to return the vehicle, valued at $2 500, despite Mr Ndlovu’s pleas.

The matter was reported to the police resulting in Magazini’s arrest.—@DubeMatutu

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