Matapi officer-in-charge released on US$100 bail

courthammer28janCourt Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Matapi officer-in-charge Inspector Linia Zvobgo who is jointly charged with a junior police officer Tawanda Dube on allegations of stealing US$3 000 in fines was yesterday described by the investigating officer as a, “troublesome borrower of State funds”.
The investigating officer, Superintendent Godwin Mvurume, who is also Officer Commanding CID Serious Frauds Squad Team 2, made the remarks while testifying against the pair being granted bail.

Zvobgo (51) of New Cranborne in Harare is jointly charged with Dube (25) of No. 40 Mondynes Drive, Mandar,a on theft of trust property charges.

However, Zvobgo and Dube were remanded on US$100 bail. Part of their bail conditions included reporting once every week at CID Serious Frauds, to reside at the given address and not to interfere with witnesses.

Testifying against the pair, Supt Mvurume emphasised that Zvobgo is a flight risk.

“Accused is a holder of a service passport meant for use when one is doing duties outside the country.

“The passport is supposed to be surrendered to the Registrar- General and even if the court ordered her to surrender it with the Clerk of Court it is easy for her to obtain a new one.

“Whatsapp messages recovered from Dube’s phone say Zvobgo is a troublesome borrower of State funds and is reluctant to pay back. We also established that she was sourcing for money from stakeholders to reimburse the funds,” he said.

Supt Mvurume also said Dube was still a junior cop not yet confirmed into the police force.

The court heard that Zvobgo, as Matapi Police Station officer-in-charge is responsible for the day-to-day running of thestation.

Insp Zvobgo is also the custodian of safe keys and all State property while Dube, who is attached to the administration section, is responsible for preparing charge sheets for banking at the Clerk of Court.

Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mashavira alleged that between March 1 and April 1 this year the pair received US$3 105 as deposit fines.

It is alleged that the money was receipted on Z69J books serial numbers 0343152 to 0343200 for $700 while US$540 was receipted on serial numbers 6955451 to 695550.

Another US$510 was receipted on serial numbers 6955501 to 6955600, US$515 on serial numbers 6955601 to 6955650 and US$440 on 6959751 to 6959800.

The court heard that instead of depositing the money with the Clerk of Court and ZRP Harare province finance section, the pair converted the money to their own personal use.

Detectives recovered copies of ZRP Z69J books signed by the two accused in receipt of the money.

A text message from Dube to one of the witnesses confirming the collusive transaction is being held as exhibit.

You Might Also Like

Comments