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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter—

Two senior police officers yesterday appeared in court accused of stealing about $8 000 from the force’s income generating project, Kuyedza Women’s Club.

Senior staff officer Fortunate Chirara (39) and Inspector John Madhuku (41) appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa facing theft charges and were granted $100 bail each.

Their trial dates were set for February 8, 12 and 16. Both police officers were attached at Kuyedza Women’s Club at Police General Headquarters.

The complainant is Kuyedza Women’s Club represented by Senior Assistant Commissioner Justice Chengeta.

The court heard that Chirara was responsible for day-to-day supervision of the club and bookkeeping, while Madhuku supervised other members attached to the club and was a signatory to the club’s CBZ Bank account.

The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Chogumaira told the court that for all purchases for the club, Chirara and Madhuku created and approved an order-to-pay document. They would make bank withdrawals and keep receipts for audit purposes.

It is alleged that on April 8, 2015 the pair withdrew $1 600 from the bank purportedly to purchase a company logo, exhibition cards and stationary.

They bought goods worth $1 450 and swindled $150, it is alleged.

On August 18, 2014, the pair withdrew $40 000 for the purchase of the club’s foodstuffs for their annual show.

They only bought goods worth $38 334,28 and allegedly stole $1 665,72.

On August 24, 2015 the pair approved $9 900 for the purchase of 500 mattresses, but allegedly bought the mattresses for $7 899,84 and swindled $2 000,16.

It is alleged that Chirara and Madhuku approved $2 500 for foodstuffs for last year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), $1 050 for travelling and subsistence allowance and $500 petty cash.

The amount totalled $4 050, but the pair allegedly used $3 188 and stole $862.

It is alleged that in October last year, Chirara instructed Constable Mwepete James to raise an order-to-pay document of $500 for payment to the Registrar of Companies and Agriculture Marketing Authority.

She allegedly converted all the money to her personal use.

Madhuku allegedly withdrew $3 000 on May 31, 2013 for the purchase of goodies for the club, but allegedly used $220,16 and stole $2 779,84.