The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa Chipinge Correspondent
Three members of the Zimbabwe National Army were on Monday this week dragged to court for allegedly stealing Cyclone Idai donations.
The trio Talkmore Collins Mavudzi (35) of 2660 Unit B Seke, Chitungwiza, AnymoreMatata (41) of 86 Close, Budiriro 1 and Admire Munoyara (32) appeared before Chipinge resident magistrate Mr Farai Gwitima facing theft charges.
They pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting, Mr Themba Dhliwayo alleged that on April 1 around 10pm, the three accused persons approached Joseph Mtetwa at Silver stream and asked him to safe keep their property at his house.
“The property included12X2litres Zimgold cooking oil, 5X5 in 1 blankets, 2X25 litres containers full of diesel, 2X2kgs Maq washing powder, 1X3kgs sunlight washing powder, 6 boys shorts, 2 ladies tops, 6 t-shirts, 5 boy’s shirts, 2 dresses, 2 pairs of socks,1 neck tie,2 braa,1 pair men’s shoes,1 pair gum boots,6 pair ladies shoe, I pair tennis shoes and a pair of men’s coat,’’ he said.
Mr Dhliwayo said the items were part of the goods being distributed to victims of Cyclone Idai.
“The accused persons are members of the Zimbabwe National Army deployed at Silver stream distribution centre for goods to be distributed to victims. On the same date, Panganai Simango and Macdonald Jumburu arrived at Silver Stream Estate driving a Honda fit.
“The three accused persons asked Simango and Jumburu to transport the above stolen property from Joseph Mtetwa’s house to Chipinge where they were to hand over the goods to one only known a driver from Dairiboard whom they were communicating with on mobile number 0716354973.
“Upon arrival at Jopa turn off, police manning a roadblock intercepted the motor vehicle as they had received a tip off to the effect that the vehicle was carrying suspected stolen property. Police proceeded to Joseph Mtetwa’s place of residence and 4 boxes X12X2liters and 12X2litres of 2litres Zimgold cooking oil were recovered from his house,” said Mr Dhliwayo.
The total value is $1 740.
The matter was remanded to April 23. The three were remanded in custody and magistrate Gwitima advised the trio to apply for bail at the High court.
