The ManicaPost
Post Correspondents
A SOLDIER with a whopping 333 diamonds handed himself into the hands of police detectives unawares after he flagged the cops’ vehicle for a lift to a house where he wanted to trade the precious gems.
Lovejoy Chinhengo (36) of Number 39, Steedman Road, Athlone in Gweru, who is currently stationed at Army School of Logistics in Mutare, was on Wednesday arraigned before the courts for contravening Section 3(1) of the Precious Stones Trade Act Chapter 21:06.
He was asked not to plead when he appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura, while Mr Brian Goto prosecuted.
Mrs Chiundura released him on $300 bail and the case goes for trial on April 13.
He was represented by Mr Farai Matinhure of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners.
The court heard that detective constables Kamota and Churu were on patrol in Murambi Area, on March 28 at around 1:30pm when they drove past Chinhengo who was walking along the road.
Mr Goto said Chinhengo signaled the detectives’ car to stop and asked for transport to go to a certain house in Murambi and the detectives complied.
“The detectives noticed that Chinhengo was holding a small satchel on his left hand and they became suspicious. The detectives stopped the car and identified themselves. They conducted a search on Chinhengo and recovered 333 pieces of diamonds from him. He was immediately arrested. Chinhengo had no right to possess the diamonds without license or permit,” said Mr Goto.
The recovered 333 pieces were taken to MBCU Mutare and can be produced in court as exhibit.
In February this year, Holder Mvura (25) – a soldier – was on allegedly found in possession of 14 pieces of diamonds at the closed Anjin Diamond Mine.
Early last month, two police officers, a soldier and five villagers were arrested in Chiadzwa after they were found in possession of diamonds.
Two police officers – Clemence Muteliso (24) and Chakauya Mberikwazvo (39) – who were in company of three villagers – Kuda Bonzo (41), Kudakwashe Rwesho (19) and Wilbert Muroyi (40) – were arrested after they were allegedly caught with 20kgs of diamond ore near the closed Anjin Diamond Mine.
