Corrupt cops convicted for stealing US$60,000 Toyota Prado at gunpoint
In a shocking display of abuse of power, two Beitbridge police officers have been found guilty of stealing a Toyota Prado worth US$60,000 from a motorist at a fuel station. The magistrate’s court in Harare has convicted the officers, Andrew Magwenzi and Edmore Nyamaropa, of the brazen robbery.
The incident occurred on April 17th, when the complainant, Timothy Musariranwa, a Senior Compliance Inspector with the National Employment Council’s Tourism Department, drove his silver Land Cruiser Prado to the Puma Service Station in Beitbridge for refuelling.
Upon his arrival, Musariranwa was allegedly approached by Nyamaropa and his accomplices, Magwenzi and Prince Kuchekenya, who is still at large. The trio, who were driving an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla, reportedly produced firearms and ordered Musariranwa to hand over his vehicle.
Fearing for his life, Musariranwa complied, and the officers drove the stolen Prado to Harare, where they concealed it. However, their criminal act was eventually uncovered when detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Vehicle Theft Squad in Harare received information that led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the arrest of Magwenzi and Nyamaropa.
The Harare magistrate, Mrs Esthere Chivasa, has convicted the two police officers, and the matter has been deferred to tomorrow for the sentencing.
This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased accountability and integrity within the law enforcement system. The abuse of power and the blatant disregard for the law by those tasked with upholding it are unacceptable and undermine public trust in the justice system.
As the country continues to grapple with the challenge of corruption, this case highlights the importance of robust measures to address such criminal activities within the ranks of the police force.
