A police officer accused of theft, Prosper Chimbumu (33), stationed at Harare Central Police Station, faced trial before magistrate Donald Ndirowei.
The charge stemmed from his alleged involvement in stealing $25,000 from security guards who had recovered money abandoned by fleeing armed robbers.
Chimbumu had managed to evade arrest until his alleged accomplices—Since Asima (38), Perseverance Chisango (32), Weston Muzoriwa (37), and Fredrick Moyo (33)—were granted bail of $300 each. Their connection to the incident eventually led to Chimbumu’s apprehension.
According to State prosecutor Anesu Chirenje, the events transpired on February 25 when two security officers retrieved $53,000 dropped by armed robbers following a heist totaling $716,340 at Quest Finance Services. Subsequently, the two officers were arrested and confessed, resulting in a two-year prison sentence imposed by Magistrate Ethel Chichera.
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Further investigation uncovered that on March 6, 2024, police received information implicating the two reaction team officers in a scheme to embezzle cash from the recovered loot.
This revelation led to a confrontation between the accused police officers and one of the security officers, Cornelius Chimukange, at his residence, during which Chimukange was reportedly severely assaulted.
Under duress, Chimukange confessed and surrendered $15,000. The accused then proceeded to the residence of Nesbert Kachungwe, the other security officer, where they interrogated his wife and obtained $10,500.
After confirming no additional money was available, the police officers released Kachungwe and his wife.
The stolen funds, totaling $25,500, were allegedly divided among the accused parties, and none of it has been recovered to date.
Detectives from CID Homicide Harare received a tip-off on March 12 regarding the illicit collection of cash by the accused persons, leading to their subsequent arrest and court proceedings.
This case underscores the gravity with which authorities are addressing allegations of corruption and misconduct within law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the imperative of accountability and transparency in criminal investigations.
