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Snr Asst Comm Charamba

Crime Reporter
Police have expressed concern over an upsurge in domestic violence cases in which couples kill each other and in some instances go as far as murdering their children.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba yesterday urged people to always seek counselling when disputes arise.

“We have noted a disturbing trend where either a husband or wife kills his or her children before committing suicide because of either a domestic dispute or differences,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said parents should know that children have a right to life and should be protected.

She urged members of the public to seek counselling from the police, churches, elders and traditional leaders instead of taking the law into their own hands.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said police were embarking on awareness campaigns to educate people against domestic violence.

Last Saturday, a Shurugwi woman forced her three children to drink poison and later committed suicide after she discovered her husband had abandoned the family to and go and live with another woman.

Meanwhile, a Mabvuku traffic police officer who deserted the force after being suspended on allegations of corruption, has appeared in court for drawing a salary for a year-and-a-half, in the process prejudicing the State of more than $11 000, reports Fungai Lupande.

Malvern Masango (30) appeared before magistrate Ms Tilda Mazhande facing theft charges.

He is expected back in court on Monday.

Masango pleaded not guilty to the charge and in his defence told the court that he was entitled to the salary.

“I did not report at work because I was on suspension for more than a year,” said Masango.

“It is clearly stated in court papers that I was still a serving member. I was discharged on January 7 this year.”

Prosecuting, Ms Tariro Gwatidzo told the court that Masango was attested into the Zimbabwe Republic Police in July 2005 and was stationed at Nkayi Police Station.

In 2013 he was reassigned to Mabvuku Police Station in the traffic department.

It is alleged that he was later suspended on corruption charges and was ordered to report to Chikurubi Support Unit from September 23, 2013 to January 7, 2014.

However, Masango allegedly went away without official leave for 18 months.

He continued to access his salary from May 2014 to October 28, 2015 through his ZB Bank account number 4624706830200 without offering service to the State.

The offence came to light when Masango was reassigned to Nkayi Police Station in October last year.

The State lost $11 709 and nothing was recovered.