The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
CHIPINGE police officers last week spurned a bribe from a fuel smuggler and arrested him for attempting to smuggle 16 000 litres of diesel into the country through an illegal entry point.
The police officers’ dedication to duty resulted in the arrest of John Madani (42) of Ruwa along Southdown border area in the farming community of Chipinge.
Madani has since appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to smuggling charges.
He appeared before Chipinge magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Hanzi and is expected back in the dock on April 28 for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Timothy Katsande, said Madani was nabbed by police officers who were on patrol along the border at Southdown.
“On February 25, Madani smuggled 16 000l of diesel from Mozambique into Zimbabwe. He used an illegal crossing point to cross into the country and alert police officers spotted him.
“Madani tried to bribe the police officers with US$50, but all the officers refused his offer and arrested him,” said Mr Katsande.
The diesel was confiscated by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officers.
Meanwhile, a police officer was kidnapped while trying to enforce Covid-19 curfew regulations.
Election Makaripe (47) of Tama Village under Chief Chamutsa of Buhera was dragged to court for kidnapping a police officer last week on Thursday after curfew hours.
He was stopped by the police at around 9.30pm at the 125km peg along the Mutare-Masvingo Highway and upon being questioned, it was discovered that he was not in possession of an exemption letter or a driver’s licence.
Sergeant Macdonald Makani ordered Makaripeto drive his motor vehicle to Birchenough Bridge Police Post while being escorted by Constable Creamson Chakataika, who is the complainant in this case.
The accused disobeyed the order and sped off heading towards Masvingo.
Cst Chakataika instructed Makaripe to stop his vehicle and drive back to the police post, but he disregarded the instruction.
Makaripe drove off with Cst Chakataika to a secluded place close to Birchenough Bridge Business Centre.
He then stopped the vehicle and disembarked.
Cst Chakataika tried to handcuff Makaripe, but he resisted.
It is alleged that Makaripe grabbed a wheel spanner and threatened to strike Cst Chakataika with it.
Marikape then took to his heels and disappeared into the darkness.
However, luck ran out for him as he was arrested on Saturday.
He appeared before Chipinge provincial magistrate, Mr Poterai Gwezhira, and was remanded in custody to April 30.
Mr Katsande prosecuted.
